By unusuma.lk on (LK time)
The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha, has officially directed the immediate detention of all security forces deserters.
Addressing a journalist’s query regarding reports that trained army personnel were allegedly involved in multiple recent criminal activities, the Defense Secretary expressed deep concern over the issue.
He elaborated, “We have focused on these troubling incidents. Several ex-military members have already been detained. As a remedy, this is truly a societal concern. Investigations confirm that military officers who unlawfully abandoned their duties before completing service have a high tendency to associate with criminal networks.”
He further stressed that those who receive combat training for a brief period, such as one or two years, and subsequently leave the forces, are at greater risk of engaging in illegal activities.
“A directive was issued recently to initiate arrests against such individuals. Military police have been given the necessary resources to detain them. That decision has now been implemented,” he stated.
The Defense Secretary pointed out that a large number of military personnel have deserted in this manner, creating a growing social dilemma.
He also reassured that no political backing exists for organized crime and that essential legal proceedings have been promptly enforced.
Furthermore, he disclosed that a thorough audit of weapons has been conducted, with a substantial quantity now secured under the Ministry of Defence’s supervision.
During a press briefing at the Government Information Department on February 22, the Defence Secretary additionally mentioned that there is an increasing pattern of armed forces personnel with weapons expertise abandoning the Tri-Forces and joining criminal syndicates.
He emphasized that an order has been passed to capture such individuals, highlighting that both military and police units are equipped to track down and detain deserters with combat experience within a short duration.
When questioned by a journalist about the involvement of active-duty soldiers with criminal factions, the Defence Secretary acknowledged that some personnel have been linked to unlawful groups due to financial struggles and substance abuse.
In response, he assured that future measures will focus on identifying and apprehending such military individuals.
