Govt launches action against former soldiers involved in criminal activities

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

In response to growing concerns over former military personnels involvement in criminal activities, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha revealed that many individuals connected to recent crimes had either unofficially left or been discharged from military service after receiving weapons training.  

He assured that the authorities, with the assistance of the Police, are working to arrest these individuals.   

Thuyacontha also emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to strictly enforcing the law against organised crime gangs, highlighting this during a special media briefing at the Government Information Department.  

The Defence Secretary attributed the rise in criminal activities to decades of political protection for these gangs, but assured that under the current administration, such groups would no longer receive support. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to swift and strict law enforcement to combat these activities.  

In addition, the secretary said that, the Ministry of Defence has launched a systematic audit of firearms that were illegally issued for personal protection.   

Supported by the tri-forces, this initiative has successfully recovered most of the firearms, with only a few remaining unaccounted for. The Defence Secretary expressed confidence that this audit will help eliminate confusion in society and prevent the illegal issuance of firearms moving forward.