25,000 military personnel removed from payroll  

By Raisa Wickrematunge 

A staggering 25,000 service personnel from the army, navy and airforce who deserted the forces have been removed from the payroll and Defence Ministry records in an attempt to overhaul the country’s defence sector, military officials told The Sunday Leader.

Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that the deserters were made up of 20,000 army personnel and 5000  navy and airforce personnel.

He said that all those who made use of the amnesty period and surrendered were discharged formally from service after they turned in their respective identity cards, mobile phones and money, which belonged to the forces.

“But from Friday, all those who failed to surrender during the amnesty period will be arrested and punished accordingly,” he said.  

Military sources said that the aim of this move was to make way for new recruits.