The Ukrainian community in Sri Lanka launched a protest in front of the Russian Embassy in Colombo today against Russia's invasion of Ukraine which has plunged Europe into a turmoil.

 

Ukrainian nationals stood outside the Embassy holding placards saying 'Stop Russian Aggression', 'Stop the war' and 'Russia Go Home', and said 'the full scale war' launched by Russia had caused the first casualties among military and civilians. 

 

"Ukrainians residing and traveling in Sri Lanka want the world to hear our voice. We believe as any other nation we have the right for peaceful protest," the Ukrainian nationals said.

 

"Peaceful Ukrainian towns and villages are under attack day and night non stop. Russian troops are moving inside of Ukrainian territory unlawfully crossing the border from the North, East and South. The world can and must stop Russia decisively. It is time for the international community to act immediately," the citizens said.

 

The citizens also said they called for tough sanctions against Russia and all possible levers of influence on Moscow to stop the war. 

 

"We call for military, humanitarian and financial assistance to Ukraine at this difficult time for our country," the citizens said. 

 

They further said that although Sri Lanka and Ukraine were situated far away from each other, they easily found common ground

 

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