News

Armed forces deserters to be arrested

Published

3 weeks ago

February 24, 2025

editor

Secretary to the Defence Ministry – Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha, says an order has been issued for the immediate arrest of all deserters from the security forces.

Speaking at a recent media briefing, he said “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 further emphasized that deserters who receive weapons training for a short period, like a year or two, and then leave the military, are more likely to engage 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.

He has also said that In line with government directives, the Ministry of Defence has initiated a systematic audit of firearms that were illegally issued for personal protection. This effort, supported by the tri-forces, has led to the recovery of almost all such firearms, with only a minimal number still outstanding, he added.

News

Boossa Prison jailor remanded over ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ murder

Published

2 hours ago

March 17, 2025

editor

A Jailor at the Boossa Prison, who had brought underworld figure Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne also known as “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” to court on the day he was killed inside the Hulftsdorp court premises, has been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).

Subsequently, he has been ordered to be remanded until March 21, after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, Ada Derana reporter said.

Presenting the suspect to the court, the Colombo Crimes Division officials have stated that the murdered suspect, “Ganemulla Sanjeewa”, had been brought to court by the arrested Jailer on the day of the assassination.

Police informed the court that investigations are underway to determine whether the crime was committed due to the Jailor’s dereliction of duty.

Police also pointed out to the court that investigations have revealed that the suspected prison officer had not taken any steps to arrest the individual who shot at “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” within the court premises and fled.

During the trial, police also requested permission to obtain a record of the suspect’s mobile phone calls for further investigations.

The court granted permission for the requests and ordered the suspect to be remanded until March 21.

(adaderana.lk)

(This story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)