Army Deserters warned that no more amnesty

Military has decided that in future no amnesty will be offered to any security forces deserters and warned some 12,000 deserters that they will be arrested/court-martialled if they do not return to duty.

Military spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara stated that the move was aimed at preventing more desertions and getting deserters back to the battle front. He said the government hoped the decision not to offer amnesty in future would reduce desertions and help bring the deserters back to service.