The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, this is the response to the question raised by the Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan on 2025.01.22 under Standing Order 27(2):

¶ 02 1. As of 20 January 2025, according to information received by the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the number of Sri Lankans recruited to serve in the Russian military stands at 554. However, no confirmed information has been received that anyone was forcibly recruited into the Russian military.

¶ 03 2. According to information obtained via the Sri Lankan Embassy in Russia, as at 20 January 2025, 59 persons have died. The list containing details has been submitted as an annex. I table the annex.

¶ 04 3. Yes. Numerous efforts have been made and are being continued.

¶ 05 4. (a) When relatives inform the Ministry that Sri Lankans have been recruited to the Russian military, the Ministry brings such information to the attention of Russian authorities through the Sri Lankan Embassy in Russia, seeking details about them and facilitating telephone contact with their families. (b) On 11 December 2024, a discussion was held with the Department of Pensions regarding continuation of pension payments to families of Sri Lankans who were receiving pensions prior to departure to Russia. It was agreed to propose a compassionate administrative process to resolve issues that have arisen. (c) A procedure has been introduced to apply for compensation for Sri Lankans who died during Russian military operations.