| by Menaka Indrakumar
( September 23, 2012 Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Nearly 120
soldiers have committed suicide during the past three years, military officials
said.
Military Spokesperson, Brig. Ruwan Wanigasuriya told The
Nation that 400 military personnel had died during the said period due to
various reasons, ranging from illness to homicide.
The latest incident was reported when Major Nalin Sampath
Kumara (37) attached to the 8th Gajaba Regiment, Saliyapura Army Camp,
committed suicide following a personal dispute.
The major was reported to have been having a love affair
with a 17-year-old schoolgirl from Kamburupitya for nearly five months.
According to the Police, the incident had occurred when the Major had a meeting
with the father of the girl to discuss marriage. The father had rejected the proposal.
Thereafter, a heated argument ensued and the angered Major had run to his
double cab, taken a hand grenade and pulled the pin. The father and daughter
did not sustain injuries and the police had recorded their statements.
Wanigasuriya said military personnel were allowed to carry
pistols, but not hand grenades. Investigations are proceeding to uncover how
the hand grenade was in the double cab.
- The Nation, Colombo
based weekly.
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