Ministry of Defence Arrests 679 Deserters in Joint Operation

The total arrests, 572 deserters were apprehended during military operations. The breakdown includes 455 individuals from the Army, 69 from the Air Force, and 48 from the Navy. In addition to these, 107 deserters were captured during police operations aimed at addressing the growing concerns surrounding military personnel who have abandoned their posts.

The crackdown was prompted by an increase in shooting incidents involving former military personnel, which has raised security concerns. On February 24th, Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), issued a directive for the immediate arrest of all military deserters. This measure is aimed at restoring order and preventing further escalation of such incidents.

The Ministry of Defence has emphasized that the joint operation between the police and the tri-forces will continue until all deserters are apprehended and security is fully restored.