Seven Sri Lanka tri-forces personnel are reported to have gone missing while participating in the 2023 CISM World Military Triathlon Championship held in France.
The Sri Lankan Defence Services Triathlon team departed the country on May 04 to participate in the 24th CISM World Military Triathlon Championship held from 5 – 9 May in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France.
According to Aruna newspaper, a 13-member tri-forces delegation from Sri Lanka had participated in the event in which 22 foreign nations contested.
The Sri Lankan Defence Services team comprised five Men and five Women players along with three officials from the SL Army, SL Navy and SL Air Force.
Commander Lakmal Weerakkody from SL Navy who is the Chairman of Defence Services Triathlon is the Chief of the Mission.
The team participated in the Elite men’s and women’s individual events, team events and mixed team events.
The passports of the Sri Lankan delegation were in the possession of Commander Lakmal Weerakkody.
It is reported that seven members of the Sri Lankan team had stolen the passports when the Chief official had left for lunch and fled their accommodation.
Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence was informed yesterday (11), that among those reported missing are four Army officers, Two Air Force personnel, and one Navy officer.
The authorities suspect if the tri-forces officers had escaped in search of jobs in France.
A Senior official has stated that the passports of the personnel were placed with a high-ranking official as similar incidents had occurred in the past. (NewsWire)