The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha, has issued an order for the immediate arrest of all security forces deserters.
Addressing concerns raised by a journalist regarding reports of former army personnel with weapons training being involved in a rising number of crimes, the Defense Secretary acknowledged the seriousness of the issue.
“We have drawn attention to the recent incidents. Many military personnel have been arrested. As a solution to that, there is actually a social problem here. We have confirmed through investigation that military officers who have illegally deserted the military before completing their full service period have a high probability of getting involved with the underworld,” he stated.
He further explained that deserters, particularly those who undergo weapons training for a short duration such as one or two years before abandoning their service, are more susceptible to engaging in criminal activities.
“We gave an order a few days ago to take action to arrest such people. We have provided facilities for arresting them through the military police. We have come to that decision,” he added.
The Defense Secretary highlighted that a significant number of military personnel have deserted in this manner, turning it into a growing social issue.
He also assured that there is no political interference shielding criminal elements and that necessary legal actions have been swiftly implemented.
Furthermore, he revealed that a comprehensive audit of firearms has been conducted, ensuring that a substantial number of weapons are now under the control of the Ministry of Defence.
During a special press conference held at the Government Information Department on February 22, the Defense Secretary disclosed an increasing trend of armed forces personnel deserting the Tri-Forces and joining criminal syndicates.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to addressing the issue, he stated that both the military and the police are fully equipped to track down and arrest military deserters with weapons training in a short period.
When questioned about the possible involvement of active-duty military personnel in criminal networks, he admitted that some soldiers have been found to have connections with underworld groups due to economic struggles and drug addiction.
In response, he assured that strict measures will be enforced to identify and apprehend such individuals in the future.
