The release of 465 Sri Lankan military personnel who joined the Russian army has encountered legal complications. As a result, Russian authorities are deferring Sri Lanka’s request, along with those from other foreign nationals enlisted in Russia.
Dr. Saman Weerasinghe, former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia and member of the recent Sri Lanka delegation to Moscow, revealed that some of these Sri Lankans, intending to return home, had acquired Russian citizenship, a fact disclosed during discussions with Russian officials.
"Under Russian law, dual citizenship is prohibited. Accordingly, some Sri Lankans have become Russian citizens and are ineligible for dual nationality with another country. Obtaining detailed information about them poses challenges due to their new status," he explained.
However, specific figures regarding the number of military personnel granted Russian citizenship have not been disclosed by Russia.
Additionally, Dr. Weerasinghe noted that some individuals had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) upon joining the military, stipulating withdrawal solely on medical grounds.
"Requests citing medical reasons undergo review by a panel, creating another obstacle to their release," he added.
Dr. Weerasinghe emphasized Sri Lanka's appeal for repatriation, grounded in bilateral goodwill and recognizing that economic motives led these individuals to seek military employment in Russia.
"With an estimated 10,000 foreign nationals involved, Russia faces challenges in granting exceptions solely to Sri Lanka. Therefore, Sri Lanka's request will be considered in a broader decision involving all countries concerned," he elaborated.
Meanwhile, effective May, Russia has halted recruitment from Sri Lanka. Compensation agreements include 13 million Russian rubles (approximately Rs.45.5 million) per fallen Sri Lankan soldier and three million rubles (approximately Rs.10.5 million) for each wounded soldier. Furthermore, Russia has agreed to facilitate family travel to Russia for attending funerals.
The Sri Lankan delegation, led by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya, included parliamentarians Dayasiri Jayasekera and Gamini Waleboda, Defence Ministry Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne, Charge d’Affaires of Sri Lanka to Russia Ambassador P. M. Amza, Additional Solicitor General Harippriya Jayasundara, and Director General of Consular Affairs Sisira Senavirathne. Discussions were held with Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrey Rudenko and Deputy Minister of Defence Colonel General A. V. Fomin.
