(Colombo) The Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence has confirmed the deaths of 16 retired Sri Lankan military personnel in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. In response, efforts are underway to repatriate remaining veterans from the war zones, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
State Minister of Defence, Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, highlighted the government’s initiative amid rising concerns over the involvement of retired personnel in the conflict. Since May 9, the authorities have registered 287 complaints concerning the human trafficking of these individuals into war areas.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is intensifying its investigations to address and curb this illicit trafficking network. The Ministry has issued a call to families of the veterans involved in the conflict to provide detailed information regarding their departure and the entities facilitating their travel at the dedicated line: 0112441146.
Moreover, the public is urged to assist by reporting any suspected human trafficking activities or support networks to help clamp down on this grave issue.
