16 Sri Lankan mercenaries killed in Russia- Ukraine war, says defence ministry

In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Sri Lankan Defence Ministry has reported the tragic deaths of at least 16 retired military personnel from Sri Lanka. These individuals, who had once served their nation, were drawn into the conflict through what authorities describe as deceitful tactics employed by foreign employment agencies. These agencies, promising lucrative opportunities abroad, allegedly misled these retirees into joining the ranks of either the Russian or Ukrainian forces.

State Minister for Defence, Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, somberly confirmed this toll, emphasizing the urgent need to bring back Sri Lankan nationals currently embroiled in the dangerous conflict zones. The situation has been exacerbated by reports suggesting the involvement of Sri Lankan mercenaries on both sides of the conflict, with an estimated total of around 288 individuals partaking in the hostilities.

In a collaborative effort with the governments of Russia and Ukraine, Sri Lanka is actively engaged in diplomatic endeavors to ensure the safe return of its citizens. However, amidst these efforts, authorities have shed light on the involvement of an individual named Ramesh, purportedly an Indian agent, who has been collaborating with Sri Lankan counterparts in the coordination of these recruitment efforts. This revelation has sparked investigations into what is now being treated as a case of human trafficking.

The gravity of the situation was further underscored by recent arrests in Kurunegala, where a retired major general and a sergeant were apprehended for their alleged involvement in trafficking activities related to the conflict. The arrests serve as a stark reminder of the insidious nature of this issue, prompting authorities to intensify efforts to dismantle such networks.

Since December of the preceding year, concerns have been mounting with reports emerging of Sri Lankan mercenaries meeting untimely ends in the Ukrainian conflict. These tragic incidents serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the imperative to address the underlying factors that perpetuate such exploitation and suffering.