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SL to send delegation to Russia to discuss fate of ex soldiers duped into fighting
View(s):By Hafsa Sabry
The delegation will include Foreign Affairs State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, Defence Ministry Secretary, Kamal Gunaratne, former Ambassador to Russia Dr. Saman Kumara Ranjith Weerasinghe and MPs Dayasiri Jayasekara and Gamini Waleboda.
The delegation is scheduled to meet with the Deputy Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs to discuss several critical issues concerning Sri Lankan soldiers who were smuggled to the Russian war front without their consent. The discussions will focus on how these individuals were coerced into the conflict, the exact terms of any documents they may have signed, and whether they will receive compensation for injuries or disabilities sustained in the battlefield, from the Russian government.
MP Dayasiri Jayasekara explained that one of the key issues to be addressed by the Sri Lankan delegation include determining the exact number of soldiers caught up in the war, those who have been sent to Russia, and the current status of these individuals, including how many were wounded or deceased. They also hope to hold discussions on the financial irregularities faced by these soldiers, ensuring that the promised compensation and withheld funds are properly accounted for.
“Many were promised Rs. 2 million, but some have only received about Rs. 600,000 and others have not received any payment at all. Furthermore, there are concerns that a significant portion of the funds is being withheld or siphoned off by racketeers,” he said
Defence Ministry spokesperson Nalin Herath said they will also address the issue of repatriating those who are stuck at the warfront without their consent.
Last week, a delegation including Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), MPs J.C. Alawathuwala, Sujith Sanjaya Perera, and lawyer Vasantha Yapa Bandara from the breakaway group of the SLPP travelled to Russia.
A spokesperson for the group said they held talks with the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia and the Consul General in St. Petersburg.
The issues taken up included facilities for the hospitalised soldiers, compensation for the families of those missing or dead, and addressing the unjust detention of soldiers by recruiters for contract breaches.
The group had also visited the S.M. Kirov Military Medical Academy hospital in St. Petersburg to inquire about the well-being of Sri Lankan soldiers receiving treatment there.
The group had handed over a report to Zakharian Vagram, the Consul General in St. Petersburg.
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