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Complete picture of Sri Lankans fighting for Ukraine unknown
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By Nadia Fazlulhaq
As Russia’s war in Ukraine intensifies, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Türkiye is requesting those who have joined the Ukraine defence force’s international legion to submit their names to the embassy as soon as possible.
“The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Türkiye is aware that three Sri Lankans have died on the Ukrainian war front. One of them is Mr. Ranishka Hewage. The embassy is awaiting official confirmation from the Ukrainian authorities regarding all three Sri Lankans. It is also understood that until their remains are recovered by the Ukrainian military, it is the practice of Ukrainian defence authorities to consider such persons as missing in action,” the embassy said. The Embassy of Sri Lanka, based in Ankara, is accredited to Ukraine.
Ambassador Hasanthi Dissanayake told the Sunday Times that because the embassy does not have details of Sri Lankans registered as soldiers in Ukraine, it is difficult to obtain any updates on their status.
“Only Ranish was registered with the embassy as a military professional. Therefore, we were able to coordinate with the Ukrainian authorities,” said Ms. Dissanayake.
Captain Ranish: First Lankan to die for Ukraine is seen here with his Ukrainian Army colleagues and on the battle field
Andrew Ranish Hewage, 43, an ex-Sri Lankan army commando, was first deployed in Kharkiv in July 2022. Experienced in the Sri Lanka Light Infantry and commando regiments, Ranish was popular as ‘Captain Dentist’ on the Ukrainian battlefield, being the commanding officer of the First Special Force of the International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine.
A Russian artillery attack on December 4 killed him and two fellow Sri Lankan native Ukrainian soldiers who were with him. Another injured Sri Lankan currently being treated has confirmed Capt. Ranish’s death.
“His mother and sister are currently in Ukraine. We are coordinating with them as well,” Ms. Dissanayake said.
International Volunteers of Ukraine said Capt. Ranish died on the battlefield in Bakhmut, and the organisation is building a memorial.
“We have gathered information about a handful of soldiers. But (Sri) Lankan ex-soldiers are joining the battlefield by enlisting privately and being recruited directly. We do not even have a list of their names,” she said.
According to international reports, legally retired military personnel with battlefield experience are lured with attractive remuneration of over Rs 1 million a month.
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