Sri Lanka and Russia have initiated talks to address the issue of Sri Lankans reportedly fighting alongside Russians in the conflict in Ukraine. At least 16 individuals have been reported missing in action, with concerns raised about their well-being.
According to Junior Foreign Minister, the Sri Lankans involved, primarily retired soldiers, were deceived into traveling to Russia under false pretenses. They were promised lucrative salaries and benefits, including Russian citizenship, which ultimately turned out to be misleading.
The Sri Lankan government is actively investigating the situation, with 455 complaints received so far. However, it is believed that the actual number of individuals involved could be significantly higher.
Reports indicate that these individuals were recruited by unscrupulous agents who assured them that they would not be involved in combat. Nevertheless, there have been mounting allegations that they have been deployed to the front lines in Ukraine.
The Russian ambassador to Sri Lanka has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and emphasized the need for dialogue to address the issue. He highlighted that individuals who voluntarily join the Russian armed forces are not prohibited, citing the presence of mercenaries from various countries fighting on the opposing side.
Sri Lanka's history of maintaining a sizable military force due to a prolonged civil war that concluded in 2009 has contributed to a pool of retired soldiers seeking alternative employment opportunities. The current economic crisis in the country has further exacerbated the situation, leading many individuals to seek work abroad.
Instances of human trafficking and fraudulent practices by unscrupulous job agents have been widely reported, underscoring the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals seeking employment opportunities outside of Sri Lanka.
