Six training instructors who sold drugs including ice, hashish and cannabis to the cadets who came for training at the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) in Diyatalawa and 18 cadets who used drugs have been expelled from the army.

The decision has been taken after the Defence Secretary ordered the Army Commander to carry out a formal investigation into the alleged drug use that took place at the SLMA.

Following the documents obtained from a preliminary inquiry, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage has observed that six training instructors have sold and used drugs.

All these six instructors belonging to other ranks (lance corporal, corporal and soldier) are addicted to cannabis.

Eighteen cadets belonging to intake No. 91 have been identified and 15 have admitted to having used cannabis during training.

A training instructor, a sergeant, who is said to have been involved in this drug smuggling, has left the army during investigations.

It has been revealed that one of the instructors had taught the cadets how to use ice.

These drugs have been brought to the SLMA from Kottawa and Welimada.

Ice, which was bought from Kottawa for Rs.1,000 has been sold for Rs.8,000.

Cannabis has been sold for Rs.500.

A second lieutenant has also been revealed to have bought cannabis and ice and he has been recommended to appear before a court martial.

The Army Commander has decided to strongly reprimand five majors and a captain for failing to supervise the cadets.

The parents alleged that the SLMA is considered to have a very high discipline and not even the family members are allowed to visit easily. They said all the officers of the SLMA are responsible for exposing the recruited cadets to drug dealers inside the SLMA.

Source – Aruna