SLA deserters escape from Panagoda camp

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 19 January 2000, 08:59 GMT]
Operational Headquarters of the Ministry of Defense reported today that 17 army deserters escaped from Panagoda SLA cantonment around 7 p.m. on January 18, overpowering the staff who opened their cells for the purpose of distribution of dinner.

These deserters were taken into custody by civil and military police and were held under close arrest pending inquiries, a statement issued today by the Operational Headquarters of the Ministry of Defense said.

Already one escapee had been arrested by the Military Police at the Habarakada checkpoint. Necessary steps had been taken to re-arrest the rest of the escapees, the statement added.