The head of Sri Lanka’s army warned that deserters posed a “threat to society” according to a report in The Island, and called on private businesses across the island not to provide them employment.
Sri Lanka’s Army Chief Lt. Gen. Mahesh Senanayake went on to warn business in the private sector that the military could take legal action against them if they employed deserting soldiers.
“Those who had abandoned their units without following due process were a threat to the society,” he was quoted as stating.
His comments come after an island-wide raid saw 777 army deserters arrested last week, with thousands currently in custody.
Over 36,000 Sri Lankan deserters are still at large according to military officials.
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