August 05, Colombo (LNW): A large-scale security operation carried out across Sri Lanka has resulted in the detention of over 3,500 military personnel who had been absent from their posts without official leave, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Defence.
Between February 22 and August 03 this year, a total of 3,504 individuals from the Army, Navy, and Air Force were apprehended as part of a concerted effort to address prolonged unauthorised absences within the armed services.
The majority of those taken into custody—2,937 in total—were members of the Army. In addition, 289 Navy personnel and 278 from the Air Force were also detained during the coordinated operations.
The Ministry revealed that a formal amnesty period had been granted in the previous year, providing an opportunity for those who had gone awol to return to their respective units without facing disciplinary action.
However, many failed to make use of this clemency offer, prompting authorities to launch a systematic campaign to locate and detain defaulters starting in late February.
Defence authorities have reiterated the importance of upholding service obligations and have warned that those who neglect their duties without valid cause will face strict consequences.
