Sri Lanka Army Announces one-month general amnesty for AWOL personnel

The Ministry of Defence has instructed the Sri Lanka Army to offer a General Amnesty period from April 20 to May 20, 2024, for all military personnel who have been Absent Without Leave (AWOL) prior to April 2, 2024. This amnesty allows them to officially discharge from their duties.

During this one-month amnesty, absentees can settle their status by reporting to their respective Regimental Centers with the necessary documentation. The required documents include: Army ID, or if unavailable, a copy of a recent police report filed for the missing ID ; a copy of the national identity card or driver’s license; a photocopy of the bank account book where their salary and allowances were deposited and a photocopy of their last pay slip, if available.

The process for obtaining a legal discharge will be completed within 72 hours after the necessary paperwork is submitted.

Additionally, those AWOL personnel who have not engaged in any illegal activities other than being AWOL, including those currently abroad, are also eligible for discharge. These individuals can begin the discharge process by remotely contacting their Regimental Centers, without the need for an in-person visit.This initiative aims to provide a structured and lawful pathway for absent Army personnel to resolve their service status.