Sri Lankan Soldiers Vanish in War-Torn Russia-Ukraine; Families Fear the Worst

COLOMBO (News 1st); Reports have emerged from various parts of the island regarding former members of the armed forces who are believed to have disappeared after joining the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

According to the police, it has been confirmed that six soldiers who participated in the war have lost their lives.

Ajantha Chandana, a resident of the Padaviya area and a retired Air Force officer, traveled to Russia on February 12 for employment related to supporting military camps over there.

His last communication was a phone call on March 29, during which he informed his wife that he needed to take up arms once again.

Since then, there has been no further information about his situation.

"On the 5th of May, I received word that he was dead. Their platoon leader Ratnayake had told another that there were 12, and to note down their names, and that the rest were dead. My husband's name was on the list of the deceased. Six men were killed. I have received a pension of Rs. 38,000/- since 2017. My husband was engaged in farming and lost everything. We were finding it difficult to educate our children as well," his wife told News 1st.

Asanka Chandana, a 47-year-old father of two, is currently missing in Russia.

Coincidentally, Pradeep Kumara, a retired commando officer from Medavachchiya, also departed for Russia on the same day as Asanka Chandana. Kumara indicated that he was going to Russia to assist in a supportive capacity.

On March 29, Pradeep Kumara made a phone call to his home, but since then, no further information has been received about his situation.

"He said his phone was taken away and that he had to take up arms. He also spoke with our daughter. He went overseas via their senior officers; they are the ones who were arrested. One person said that my husband was killed on the 18th of April," said his wife.

Pradeep Kumara, is a 47-year-old father of two.

MP Akila Ellawala disclosed details about another military officers who remains missing in Russia.

"I represent the Balangoda Electorate in the Ratnapura District. A Former Special Forces member, D. R. M. Douglas Senarath was last heard of on May 2nd. We need to know whether he is dead or alive. Information was relayed that his truck was attacked by a drone. But, this needs to be verified. The person named I. D. W. M. Chathuranga has directed the young soldier to this scam. Individuals like Bandula Wijesiri, Sarath Hunukumbura, and Major Wijebandara are involved in this racket," he told reporters.

An investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department has uncovered that retired army officers were dispatched to Russia and Ukraine after receiving payments ranging from Rs. 1 Million to Rs. 1.7 Million.

Additionally, a retired major general and a sergeant major involved in human trafficking, specifically sending individuals to Russia for military service, were apprehended by the Criminal Investigation Department in Kurunegala.

They were subsequently remanded after their court appearance.

Sri Lanka Launches Special Unit to Tackle Military Human Trafficking to Ukraine-Russia War

The Ministry of Defence announced the establishment of a special unit to gather information on the human trafficking of retired Sri Lankan military personnel to the Russia-Ukraine war through illegal channels.

Accordingly, the Defence Secretary requests the family members of the concerned to provide information about retired Sri Lankan military personnel who have joined the Russia-Ukraine war via various routes, including the dates of their departure, persons and institutions that had coordinated their passages, to the following dedicated no: 0112441146.

The Defence Secretary also requests the general public to provide information about individuals involved in human trafficking, those who support it and any relevant information related to the above phone number.

As this is done to safeguard the safety of Sri Lankan citizens, everyone is encouraged to pay special attention and provide information in this regard.