Reports have emerged that have created a controversial situation in Sri Lanka. It has been revealed that 40 Sri Lankan who had left to serve in the Russian army are either dead or missing.
This news has caused great concern amongst Sri Lankans, who are worried about the safety of their fellow citizens.
The situation is further complicated because a group of retired Sri Lankan security forces members are also facing extreme difficulties.
These individuals, who have dedicated their lives to serving their country, are now facing economic hardships and are struggling to make ends meet.
To shed light on their plight, these retired military personnel have taken to social media to share their experiences.
They have warned others of the dangers of human trafficking and urged their fellow citizens not to fall prey to these unscrupulous individuals.
It is a complex and heartbreaking situation for all involved, and it is hoped that steps will be taken to address these issues and prevent further tragedies.
Disclosure of a Member of Parliament
In a recent statement to Parliament, Member of Parliament Gamini Valeboda revealed shocking news about Sri Lankan involvement in a racket involving employment in the Russian army.
Valeboda disclosed that Sri Lankan military, police, and civil defence personnel were caught up in this illicit scheme.
The MP emphasised that those who go to Russia in search of military employment are actually joining Wagner’s mercenary army, indicating that Sri Lankans are being recruited into this notorious group.
Valeboda claimed that this information was obtained from several Sri Lankans who similarly went to Russia for employment.
This revelation raises concerns about Sri Lankan involvement in international arms dealings and highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability.
For Wanger’s mercenaries
The MP has raised a serious concern regarding the illegal recruitment of people to serve in the Wagner mercenary army, which operates in Ukraine.
The recruiters are believed to be offering lucrative jobs in the Russian military. Instead, they are collaborating with human traffickers to send individuals to fight on the front lines of the Wagner mercenary army.
These individuals are often brought to Russia under the guise of tourist visas but are ultimately sent to participate in combat operations against Ukraine.
The MP has called for urgent action to identify and bring to justice all those involved in this illegal activity, which puts the lives of innocent people at risk and violates international laws and standards.
Hard life without a salary and food
There have been reports of human trafficking to Russia, where traffickers pretend to be representatives of the country and lure people with false promises of high salaries, land, and property.
However, none of these promises are fulfilled, leaving victims without wages, food, or other humanitarian benefits for months.
Videos showing a group of Sri Lankan people sent to fight in the war against Ukraine are also circulating on social and national media.
This has led to charges against a retired major of the Sri Lankan army and others who have deceived retired soldiers of Sri Lanka.
Gamini Valeboda, a parliamentarian, has pointed out that the racket targets local youths, with involvement from a person in Russia and retired army personnel.
Although the responsible institutions in Sri Lanka may have inadvertently supported the process, those sent to the war front have been given no responsibility for the lives of Sri Lankan soldiers.
Lawyers’ opinion
Legal experts have deemed the act in question illegal human trafficking. Professor Pratibha Mahanamaheva, a distinguished lawyer, has emphasised the need to identify and take action against those responsible for leading the smuggling activities.
In Sri Lanka, the law provides ample measures to intervene in such cases and imposes strict penalties, including a prison sentence of up to 7 years for the guilty parties. The gravity of the situation demands that we take immediate action to kerb this illegal practice.
