Sri Lankan Diplomats in Russia to Engage with Russian Defence Ministry for Repatriation Efforts

Sri Lankan diplomats in Russia take first steps towards repatriating citizens caught in Ukraine war

In a bid to bring back Sri Lankans caught in the crossfire of the war between Russia and Ukraine, Sri Lankan diplomats in Russia are set to engage with officials from the Russian Defence Ministry. This move comes after the Foreign Ministry received up to 455 complaints from Sri Lankans who are part of Russia’s military efforts, either willingly or unwillingly.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya revealed that some Sri Lankans had traveled to Russia as mercenaries, while others were deceived into fighting on the battlefront. Many of these individuals had entered Russia on visit visas through countries like India or the Middle East, falling prey to unscrupulous agents.

Despite assurances from some Sri Lankans that they would not be involved in combat, reports suggest that they have been deployed to the frontlines. So far, 26 individuals have been repatriated after seeking help from the Sri Lankan embassy in Russia, while 16 others are reported missing.

In a significant development, the Russian Defence Ministry is scheduled to meet with Sri Lankan diplomats today to discuss the repatriation process. Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Levan Dzhagaryan emphasized the importance of this meeting as the first step towards resolving the situation and ensuring the safe return of affected Sri Lankans.

The meeting between the diplomatic mission, defense attaché, and high-ranking military officials in Moscow marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to address the plight of Sri Lankans caught in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.