Orders have been issued to arrest all armed forces deserters, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha said on Monday.
Speaking to Newswire, the Defence Secretary said the directive has been issued in order to curb crimes in Sri Lanka.
He further said the main objective was to expedite the process to curtail underworld-related activities in the country.
Meanwhile, addressing the media on Saturday, the Defence Secretary addressed concerns about former military personnel engaging in criminal activities.
He noted that many such individuals involved in recent crimes had unofficially left or been discharged from military service shortly after receiving weapons training.
Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha assured that necessary actions are being taken, with the assistance of the Police, to apprehend these individuals. (Newswire)