Dr. Saman Weerasinghe

Release of 465 Sri Lankan soldiers stalled by legal issues

• Sri Lanka’s request to be considered later along with requests from other countries
• Russia agrees to pay 13 million ruble compensation each in view of 17 soldiers killed

The release of 465 Sri Lankan military personnel who enlisted in the Russian army has hit a legal snag, prompting the Russian authorities to consider Sri Lanka’s request at a later stage along with requests from other foreign nationals fighting for Russia, an official said yesterday.  

Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Dr. Saman Weerasinghe who was part of the Sri Lanka delegation that visited Russia recently told Daily Mirror that some of these Sri Lankans who sought to return to Sri Lanka had obtained Russian citizenship as transpired during talks with Russian officials.  

“According to the Russian law, they cannot be dual citizens. Now, some of these Sri Lankans have become Russian nationals. They are not allowed to hold dual citizenship with another country. We also have limitations in asking for details about them since they are Russian nationals now,” he said.  

However, Russia has not given the exact number of military personnel who received Russian citizenship.  

Besides, he said others had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in joining the military, which stipulates that they can withdraw only on medical grounds.  “If an appeal is made citing medical reasons, it is reviewed by a panel. It is also a barrier in getting them released,” he said.   Dr. Weerasinghe said Sri Lanka asked for the repatriation of these people based on the bilateral goodwill of the two countries since these people left for Russia for jobs in the military because of economic reasons back at home.  “There are around 10,000 foreign nationals fighting there. It is difficult for Russia to give an exemption for Sri Lanka only. So, they will consider Sri Lanka’s request when taking a decision common to all the countries in the future,” he said.  

Meanwhile, Russia has stopped recruitments from Sri Lanka effective from May. Also, Russia agreed to pay compensation of 13 million Russian rubles (Rs.45.5 million) for 17 Sri Lankans each killed in fighting. On behalf of the wounded soldiers, Russia has agreed to pay three million rubles (Rs.10.5 million). Also, family members will be allowed to fly to Russia to attend funerals in Russia.  The delegation was led by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya. Others included parliamentarians Dayasiri Jayasekera, Gamini Waleboda, Defence Ministry Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne, Charge d’Affaires of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation Ambassador P. M. Amza, Additional Solicitor General Harippriya Jayasundara, Director General, Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sisira Senavirathne.  They had discussions with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Andrey Rudenko and the Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation Colonel General A. V. Fomin.