- The number of Sri Lankans who died in the operation is 17
The high-level delegation from Sri Lanka visiting Moscow has proposed the establishment of a joint Sri Lankan-Russian committee. This committee would aim to address and resolve issues faced by Sri Lankans operating in the Russian war on a contract basis.
A high level delegation led by Minister of State for External Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya visited the Russian Federation from 26th to 27th of June 2024.
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Moscow has stated that during this visit, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Andrey Rudenko, and the Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, Colonel General AV Fomin, met and held discussions.
It is stated that during these discussions, special attention was paid to the Sri Lankans employed on a contract basis in the Russian armed forces.
17 Sri Lankans have died in the operation so far. The embassy said discussions centered on compensation for the injured, addressing the plight of uncontacted Sri Lankans, the possibility of voluntary return, early termination of contracts and regularization of remuneration.
In this meeting, Sri Lanka has proposed to form a Joint Working Committee comprising officials from both sides to meet regularly to address the issues and concerns of Sri Lankans.
Both sides have agreed to proceed with the related issues.
Apart from State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, Members of Parliament Dayasiri Jayasekara and Gamini Valeboda, Defense Ministry Secretary General (retd) Kamal Gunaratne, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Russian Federation PM Amza, Additional Solicitor General Haripriya Jayasundara, Director General Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sisira Senaviratne, former Russia Sri Lankan Ambassador Dr. Saman Weerasinghe and a group of officials from the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation were present for these discussions.
