• Several ‘Lankan–Russian’ soldiers turn down opportunity to return
• SL seeks compensation for KIA, and timely pay for those in service

 Sri Lankan efforts to repatriate around a thousand Sri Lankan ex-armed forces personnel who have joined the ranks of the Russian Armed forces, has faced a new challenge due to a number of them obtaining Russian citizenship, as per their contracts, The Daily Morning reliably learns.

A senior government official close to the ongoing negotiations between Colombo and Moscow to repatriate a number of Sri Lankans engaged in combat in the Ukrainian front, told The Daily Morning that dozens of Lankan soldiers fighting for Russia have obtained Russian citizenship through official channels, and have received Russian passports as well. More are expected to receive citizenship in the coming months, in-line with the contracts the soldiers have signed with the Russian Ministry of Defence.   

“This matter has significantly complicated our negotiation with Moscow, as now, by law, they (Sri Lankan ex-servicemen), are Russian citizens. We are in a fix. We can’t ask Russia to repatriate their citizens,” the senior official told The Daily Morning in terms of anonymity.  

Moreover, several of the Sri Lankans in service with Russian formations, have politely turned down assistance from the Sri Lankan Government offered to repatriate them, stating that they wish to finish their contracts and that they have obtained Russian citizenship, it is reliably learnt.

“The citizenship issue creates a legal conundrum for us (Sri Lanka). According to the law, when a Sri Lankan takes on another citizenship, they automatically shed ours. Which means the troops who took Russian citizenship, are now “Russian’ for legal purposes. I don’t think their families understand this side of the issue,” the official said.

The added complexity to the crisis comes as Russia and Ukraine continue to suffer massive losses in terms of manpower and material, in what is now a three-year-long gruelling war of attrition. Both Ukraine and Russia are desperate to replenish their forces. Last week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced that Sri Lanka had discussed with Russia about the possible repatriation of 17 Sri Lankans killed in action, in-service with Russian troops.

The senior government official The Daily Morning spoke to said that Sri Lanka has also sought compensation for those killed in the line of service, as per the contracts they had signed on to, so that the next of kin may be able receive some relief from the tragedy.

It is learnt that Sri Lanka is working with regional countries, who face the same issue; citizens who have travelled to Russia to join its forces, to negotiate with Russia on the issue. Meanwhile, local law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate those who ‘arranged’ the scam to send Sri Lankans to Russia under false pretext, and are considering charging them with human trafficking charges. 

Featured Picture – Sri Lankan army personnel interact with Russian Airborne troops during ‘Army Games - 2019’ in Pskov, Russia

PHOTO © MOD