The Ministry of Public Security has confirmed that investigations into the trafficking of Sri Lankans for combat roles in the Russian and Ukrainian battlefields are ongoing, with multiple arrests already made.
Amid mounting concerns over the exploitation of Sri Lankan combatants, particularly ex-military personnel, being sent to the front lines in the ongoing conflicts, law enforcement agencies are actively targeting the organizers behind these schemes.
Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles said that the Police and Criminal Investigations Department (CID) have apprehended several suspects involved in trafficking Sri Lankans to Russia and Ukraine in recent weeks. "We are closely monitoring this issue. Numerous suspects have been apprehended, and investigations are ongoing to capture others implicated in this illegal activity."
Recent reports have highlighted the tragic fate of Sri Lankan nationals who joined the Russian and Ukrainian armies, facing unforeseen dangers and death in combat situations. In a recent incident, a Sri Lankan ex-military combatant and two others were killed, with others sustaining injuries when their armored vehicle was hit by an explosive device. The remains of the Sri Lankan casualty are yet to be recovered.
Sources in Russia and Ukraine indicate that there are over 60 Sri Lankans employed in various combat-related roles in Ukraine and over 100 in Russia. Recently, the Police arrested a couple, including an ex-Army Major, for their alleged involvement in orchestrating this illicit employment scheme.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 marked a significant escalation of tensions, leading to widespread destruction, substantial civilian casualties, and the displacement of millions of people.
