A high-level delegation headed by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya concluded a two-day visit to the Russian Federation on June 27, 2024, focusing on Sri Lankan citizens deployed in the Russian Armed Forces on contractual terms.
During the visit, discussions were held with Russian Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense, Andrey Rudenko and Colonel General A. V. Fomin respectively. The talks centered on several critical issues, including the compensation for 17 Sri Lankans killed in action, the welfare of wounded personnel, and the challenges faced by Sri Lankans who have become uncontactable while deployed.
A proposal was put forth by Sri Lanka to establish a joint working committee involving officials from both countries to regularly address these concerns. Both sides agreed to continue dialogue to find solutions beneficial to all parties involved.
The Sri Lankan delegation included Members of Parliament Dayasiri Jayasekera and Gamini Waleboda, Secretary of the Ministry of Defense General G. D. H. Kamal Gunaratne, and other key officials from Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy in Russia.
