The Ministry of Defence has announced that approximately 3,000 members of the Sri Lankan armed forces have been taken into custody for failing to report for duty without officially resigning.
The arrests were made between February 22 and the present, as part of a joint operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force, and Police.
According to the Ministry, 2,261 of the detained personnel are members of the Sri Lanka Army, highlighting the scale of unauthorized absences within its ranks.
The operation is part of a broader effort to enforce military regulations and restore discipline and accountability within the armed forces by taking firm action against those who have gone Absent Without Leave (AWOL).
Authorities emphasized that failing to adhere to military procedures—especially during periods of national importance—undermines operational readiness and will be addressed with strict disciplinary measures.
