Sri Lanka has formally requested Russia to facilitate the voluntary return of its former soldiers who participated in Moscow's conflict against Ukraine, as announced by the government on Thursday. A Sri Lankan delegation engaged in discussions in Moscow over two days, focusing on issues such as compensation for the 17 Sri Lankans who lost their lives in the conflict, according to a statement from Colombo's foreign ministry.
In response to concerns raised by Sri Lanka's parliament, which launched an inquiry into the whereabouts of approximately 2,000 veterans reportedly enlisted with Russian forces, the delegation's talks centered on locating these individuals, providing support for the wounded, and tracing those reported missing. State minister for foreign affairs Tharaka Balasuriya, leading the delegation, advocated for voluntary returns, early contract terminations, and regularization of compensation for the affected Sri Lankan veterans.
The Sri Lankan veterans, originally seeking employment abroad amidst their country's economic downturn in 2022, include individuals who joined Ukrainian forces after initially enlisting for what they believed would be non-combat roles with Russian firms. Now, facing dire circumstances abroad, these veterans and their families have been urging the Sri Lankan authorities to facilitate their repatriation.
Amidst these efforts, Sri Lanka also highlighted that a number of its citizens are being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine. The scenario highlights the toll imposed by the Ukraine conflict on the Russian military, leading Moscow to recruit foreign militants, especially those from South Asia. While Sri Lanka remains neutral in the Ukraine war, stories of its residents being recruited for military operations overseas have caused internal ramifications.
Sri Lankan authorities have recently arrested two former generals and six people who are accused of illegally recruiting for Russian mercenary groups. Earlier conversations with Moscow resulted in an agreement to cease future recruitment of Sri Lankans into the Russian military, amid rising tensions caused by these recruiting methods.
These diplomatic efforts reflect Sri Lanka's ongoing efforts to address the complex issues arising from its citizens' involvement in foreign military engagements, balancing domestic concerns with international obligations and the welfare of its citizens abroad.
