Sri Lanka and Russia Take Action to Stop Human Trafficking of Ex-Military

COLOMBO (News 1st); An initiative to prevent Sri Lankan retired military personnel from being illegally recruited and trafficked to fight in the war between Russia and Ukraine was tabled during a recent visit to Russia by a Sri Lankan delegation led by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya.

According to MP Gamini Valeboda, discussions were held with high-ranking Russian officials, including the Deputy Minister of Defense and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

As a result of these talks, a joint committee has been established. This committee includes representatives from both countries' relevant ministries and the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia.

Gamini Valeboda also highlighted the seriousness of the situation, highlighting that smugglers were charging families of these veterans over Rs. 1 billion to facilitate their illegal deployment.