According to Military Spokesman Brigadier Roshan Seneviratne, since the last General Amnesty ended on 31st December 2016, seven officers and 4,074 other rank deserters have been taken into custody. Those arrested include seven officers and 3,241 other ranks of the Army, 765 Navy and 68 Air Force personnel.

Military Police together with the Police Department are continuing with their operations to arrest deserters and take legal action against them.

The Ministry of Defence declared two General Amnesty periods last year for tri forces personnel who are considered as AWOL to obtain legal discharge.

During the last General Amnesty period, 34 officers and 8,843 other ranks reported to their respective services seeking legal discharge.