Sniper arrested in Maldives did not serve Sri Lankan military

Sri Lanka’s Defence Ministry has refuted media reports that the sniper arrested by Maldivian authorities served in the Sri Lankan military.

Acting Director of the Defence Ministry Media Centre Brigadier Jayanath Jayaweera stated that according to information uncovered so far the suspect has not been attached to the Sri Lankan military.

Maldivian media on Thursday reported that a Sri Lankan sniper was arrested from the Maldives days after a sniper rifle bullet was found in the biggest weapons bust in the country’s recent history

Maldivian authorities, however, neither confirmed nor denied the arrest.

The weapons had been seized from Hibilhadhoo island in Baa Atoll being developed as a resort, the Haveeru news agency had reported.