Sri Lanka, Oct. 10 -- The Defence Ministry and Police have stepped up operations to arrest and take action against over 50,000 tri-forces members, including officers, who have left the service or are absent without official leave (AWOL), the Daily Mirror learns.

Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara told Parliament on Wednesday that 54,087 personnel of the tri-forces are currently AWOL. This includes 385 Army officers and 47,265 other ranks, 46 Air Force officers and 3,396 other ranks, and 87 Navy officers and 3,108 other ranks.

He added that several personnel are abroad without leave. 232 Army officers and 93 other ranks, 19 Navy personnel, and 15 Air Force personnel.

Military Spokesman Brigadier Franklin Joseph said operations are...