Deserter arrested for ambushing a soldier in Vavuniya

COLOMBO(News 1st) - An army deserter was arrested for injuring a soldier attached to the Bogaswewa Army Camp in Vavuniya and stealing his service weapon. Between 04:00 and 04:15 am a soldier who had just completed his watch at the Military Post attached to the Army Camp was attacked while making his way back to the camp. The attacker had fled with the T56 assault rifle and two magazines issued to the injured soldier, who was rushed to the Vavuniya Hospital and transferred to the Anuradhapura Army Hospital. Immediately after the incident had taken place, on the instructions of the Army Commander, Military intelligence and the Military Police commenced investigations. The suspect connected to the attack was arrested this afternoon at Kekirawa. Military spokesperson Brigadier Chandana Wickremesinghe speaking to News 1st said the T56 assault rifle was discovered hidden inside an abandoned house at Kekirawa. The suspect had previously served at the Bogaswewa Camp and later deserted the Army.