The Ministry of Defence reports that more than 3,500 members of the Sri Lankan armed forces have been taken into custody for leaving service without proper authorization.
According to the ministry, 3,504 tri-forces personnel who had been absent without leave were arrested during operations carried out between 22 February and 03 August.
Among those detained are 2,937 from the Army, 289 Navy personnel, and 278 members of the Air Force.
The Defence Ministry also noted that a grace period was declared last year, allowing unauthorized personnel to formally return to duty.
Those who failed to report back during this period were subject to the arrest operations that commenced on 22 February this year. (Newswire)