Over 50,000 tri-forces personnel deserted; authorities intensify arrests

• Says AWOL challenges managed in 2030 military plan  

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

The Defence Ministry and Police have stepped up operations to arrest and take action against over 50,000 tri-forces members, including officers, who have left the service or are absent without official leave (AWOL), the Daily Mirror learns.   
Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara told Parliament on Wednesday that 54,087 personnel of the tri-forces are currently AWOL. This includes 385 Army officers and 47,265 other ranks, 46 Air Force officers and 3,396 other ranks, and 87 Navy officers and 3,108 other ranks.   
He added that several personnel are abroad without leave. 232 Army officers and 93 other ranks, 19 Navy personnel, and 15 Air Force personnel.   
Military Spokesman Brigadier Franklin Joseph said operations are ongoing to arrest personnel who are AWOL, after which disciplinary action will be taken before they are legally discharged from service. He added that those absent for less than a year may either be discharged or reassigned.   
When asked if the Defence Ministry has declared a general amnesty for legal discharges, the spokesman said no amnesty has been granted.  

“We have warned those absent without leave to report to their regiments to be discharged, or we will arrest them and proceed with disciplinary action before discharge,” he said.   
He also said that personnel wishing to resign can voluntarily surrender and be discharged.   
Regarding concerns that the high number of personnel leaving the service could affect Sri Lanka’s plan to downsize the military by 2030, Brigadier Joseph acknowledged the challenge but said downsizing plans account for the number of personnel who may go AWOL each year.   
Earlier this year, Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha ordered the immediate arrest of deserters following a rise in organized crime involving former military personnel, particularly those with weapons training. Thousands of deserters have been arrested in the first nine months of 2025 as part of these operations.