Sri Lanka Warns Vets Against Joining the Ukraine-Russia War As Mercenaries

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, PC, emphasized that both diplomatic and non-diplomatic efforts are undertaken to rescue the Sri Lankans who were duped by human traffickers to work with mercenary forces in Russia.

Disturbing reports have emerged regarding Sri Lankans who served in the country’s armed forces and found themselves ensnared in a human trafficking racket.

These individuals were lured with promises of privileges, only to face a starkly different reality.

Sri Lankan servicement were allegedly recruited under false pretenses.

Initially told they would be engaged in support roles within Russian army camps, they later discovered they were being deployed to the frontline battles in Ukraine.

The trafficking operation reportedly exploited tourist visas, allowing Sri Lankans to enter Russia without raising suspicion.

A Sri Lankan who claims to have served in the Russian mercenary forces came forward during a press conference organized by MP Gamini Valeboda.

"Major Wijebandara orchestrated the entire operation, leading a group of 34 individuals to the location. Initially, upon arrival, one of the mercenaries from Wagner along with legal representative arrived and obtained our signatures. We were told that all 34 are camp help. Approximately 800 individuals from Sri Lanka, are over there. When passing through the airport, we are expected to pay 100 rubles per person so that we can pass without any checks," said the unnamed officer.

Foreing Affairs Minister Ali Sabry, PC noted that he summoned the Russian Ambassador and discussed the matter in length in the presence of the Foreign Secretary.

"We discussed the involvement of the Russian Armed Forces and what can be done via them. The scope is limited, as this is not, something done by the government. We are using diplomatic and non-diplomatic means to rescue them," he said.

Ministry of Defence Statement:

The Ministry of Defence has learned that a number of retired war veterans who had immensely devoted their lives to defend the country during the 30 – year long terrorist war have got caught to a scheme by some illegal foreign job agents and have sent to the Russian-Ukrainian war front as members of mercenary groups.

It is also revealed that a significant number of war veterans have died and sustained injuries at the battlefield. It is regrettable that such war veterans who have served and retired with honour in the armed forces of Sri Lanka are acting as mercenaries in foreign countries. These war veterans have left to the Russian-Ukrainian war front as mercenaries after being duped by these human traffickers who had promised them opportunity to join the foreign army, handsome salary, citizenship in those countries and other benefits. However, neither the serving nor the injured had received any salaries or benefits and these traffickers have not even given any sort of compensation to the families of those injured or the dead. Further, they have failed to provide any information of the whereabouts of those war veterans to their families as well.

The Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are making great efforts to obtain factual information about the war veterans and casualties at the Russian-Ukrainian war front.

The Defence Secretary has made a special request to the war veterans not to be caught to such illegal schemes and put their lives at risk by joining foreign mercenary groups and also think of the plight of their families before doing so.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Police and Intelligence agencies have launched extensive operations to arrest such illegal human traffickers and several people involved in it have already been taken into custody.

While emphasizing that these war veterans who are Sri Lankan citizens cannot be allowed to be used as mercenaries in foreign land and put their lives at risk, the Defence Secretary further states that the law will be strictly enforced against the illegal human smugglers, establishments and others involved in these illegal activities.

Chief of Defence Staff Statement:

As members of the Armed Forces of this country, we are bound by duty, honour, and a deep sense of loyalty to our motherland. We have stood valiantly in the face of adversity, sacrificing for the greater good of our nation. Yet, there are whispers of temptation, enticing some of our comrades to forsake their loyalty for the allure of easy money and transient glory.

It is with a heavy heart that we address the recent reports of several Sri Lankan veterans venturing into foreign lands to join the ranks of mercenary forces. These veterans, once the pride of our nation, have succumbed to the seductive promises of riches and adventure, forsaking the values that define us as warriors and patriots.

Let us not forget the sacrifices we have made in service to our country. We have endured hardships, shed blood, and witnessed the ultimate price paid by our fallen brethren. Our bravery is not a commodity to be traded for personal gain; it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the protection and prosperity of our homeland.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, as the most senior serving military officer of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces and a valorous comrade who fought in real battles alongside you, has rightfully voiced concern over this alarming trend, earnestly requesting fellow veterans not to fall prey to the siren call of mercenary service. The CDS echoes these sentiments wholeheartedly, acknowledging the inherent dangers of such ventures.

Mercenary warfare is not a noble pursuit; it is a path fraught with peril and moral ambiguity. Those who choose to walk this path risk tarnishing the reputation of our esteemed military. As members of a victorious military who defeated the most ruthless terrorist organisation in the world, we must uphold the honour and integrity of our profession. We must resist the appeal of easy money and fleeting fame, remembering that true valour lies not in the size of one's paycheck, but in the righteousness of one's cause.

Let us abide by our principles. Let us reject the temptations of mercenary service and reaffirm our commitment to the ideals that define us as proud veterans of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.

In the words of the CDS General Shavendra Silva, let us not falter in the face of such traps. Let us honour the sacrifices of our fallen comrades and sustain the proud legacy of our military. Our nation deserves nothing less than our unwavering loyalty and dedication.
Together, let us stand firm and resolute, for we are the guardians of our motherland, and our allegiance lies with her alone.

Sri Lanka Navy Statement:

A recent disclosure has uncovered a human trafficking scheme including retired military personnel from Sri Lanka's armed forces. These individuals were deceived into believing they would receive significant benefits, including high salaries and citizenship, by joining Russian and Ukrainian forces. They were sent on tourist visas and subsequently deployed for frontline combat in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Former military personnel, lured to Russia and Ukraine on tourist visas, are being recruited into mercenary forces without offering the promised salaries or benefits. It is reported that they face extreme weather, minimal support infrastructure and even without communication means. Reports also indicate serious injuries and some fatalities in the harsh war zones, lacking basic facilities.

The Navy urges retired naval personnel not to consider accepting such opportunities, as they would lead to jeopardizing their hard-earned privileges and assets, which are a result of their dedicated service to the motherland. Also, choosing to reside far away from home without the support of near and dear ones can lead to challenging circumstances.

Moreover, the Navy urges the public to reach out to Navy Headquarters at 0117192142 or 0117192250 if they possess any information about individuals, active-duty military personnel or any other person involved in this human trafficking act or aiding such activities.

Sri Lanka Army Commander Statement:

A group of retired War Heroes, who dedicated their lives to defending the country during the 30 years long conflict, have fallen victim to a scam governed by illegal foreign job agents.

These veterans were misled and sent to the Russian-Ukrainian war zone as part of mercenary groups. Shockingly, many of them have lost their lives or suffered injuries on the battlefield. It's disheartening to see these honorable veterans, who served with utmost commitment in the Sri Lanka Army, now engaged as mercenaries abroad.

These veterans were attracted by promises of joining foreign armies, high salaries, citizenship in those countries, and other perks. However, they received neither pay nor benefits, and their families haven't received any compensation either. The situation of these veterans remains unknown to their families, adding to the distress.

The Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are seeking information about these veterans and the casualties they have faced in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The Commander of the Army has requested war veterans, urging them not to fall victim to such illegal schemes that risk their lives and to consider their families' welfare before making any decisions.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Police and Intelligence units, have launched extensive operations to apprehend the culprits behind this human trafficking racket. Several individuals involved have already been arrested.

The Commander of the Army has emphasized that Sri Lankan citizens, especially war veterans, cannot be allowed to become mercenaries abroad and face life-threatening situations.

In addition to official actions, there are also personal statements by family members shedding light on the gravity of this situation. Relevant videos have also been uploaded with this article from family members of the victims, providing a deeper insight into the struggles faced by these veterans and their loved ones.