SLA extends amnesty for deserters

[TamilNet, Thursday, 22 May 2008, 23:24 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) has extended the amnesty period of deserters by two weeks, until May 31, reports from Colombo said. SLA had earlier announced amnesty for deserters to return to their earlier ranks from May 2 until May 12.



Brigadier Udaya Nanayakara, SLA spokesman told media that about 3700 deserted soldiers returned for duty during the first ten days of the amnesty period.

More deserters are waiting to rejoin the SLA, Nanayakara said.

About fifteen thousand deserters are still at large, and those who rejoin would be given additional training before being sent to the war front, he added.