Russia confirms deaths of 13 Lankans : Foreign Ministry spokesman

The Russian government has confirmed that 13 Sri Lankans who joined their armed forces have been killed during confrontations.

A Foreign Ministry Spokesman in Colombo said that the family members have been informed about the deaths.

The information has come in as a Sri Lankan delegation led by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuiriya left to Russia on Monday to further discuss about the plight of the Lankans who have travelled to Moscow to join their armed forces .

The six member delegation also includes MPs Dayasiri Jayasekara and Gamini Waleboda.

Earlier this month Foreign Minister Ali Sabry during a visit to Russia to participate in the BRICS 2024 Foreign Ministerial Session with developing countries had a bilateral meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Minister Sabry, during the meeting, brought to the attention of his Russian counterpart the issue of Sri Lankan citizens who have joined the Russian Armed Forces and sought his assistance in resolving the issues encountered by them.

During the meeting agreed that no further recruitment from Sri Lanka will be done to Russia.