59 Sri Lankans killed in Russia – Vijitha

Published

1 month ago

February 7, 2025

editor

At least 554 Sri Lankans have been recruited to serve in the Russian military based on data collected up to January 20, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said.

From data collected by Sri Lanka’s embassy in Russia 59 Sri Lankans have died. The names will be tabled in parliament.

“We have no information that they were recruited by force,” Minister Herath said.

The mercenaries, most of whom were ex-soldiers were recruited at high salaries, but some returnees have complained that they were told that would serve in logistics.

Some escapees have related horrific tales where foreign recruits are pushed out of bunkers to fight in the open and are blown up from sudden drone attacks.

Several efforts to bring back Sri Lankans from Russia and they are ongoing, he said.

Russia has recruited large numbers of foreigners after its invasion of Ukraine amid domestic opposition to conscription and draft dodging.

Large numbers were also recruited from other South Asian nations, according to reports.

(economynext.com)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by economynext.com has not been edited by SLM staff)

Boossa Prison jailor remanded over ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ murder

Published

1 hour ago

March 17, 2025

editor

A Jailor at the Boossa Prison, who had brought underworld figure Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne also known as “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” to court on the day he was killed inside the Hulftsdorp court premises, has been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).

Subsequently, he has been ordered to be remanded until March 21, after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, Ada Derana reporter said.

Presenting the suspect to the court, the Colombo Crimes Division officials have stated that the murdered suspect, “Ganemulla Sanjeewa”, had been brought to court by the arrested Jailer on the day of the assassination.

Police informed the court that investigations are underway to determine whether the crime was committed due to the Jailor’s dereliction of duty.

Police also pointed out to the court that investigations have revealed that the suspected prison officer had not taken any steps to arrest the individual who shot at “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” within the court premises and fled.

During the trial, police also requested permission to obtain a record of the suspect’s mobile phone calls for further investigations.

The court granted permission for the requests and ordered the suspect to be remanded until March 21.

(adaderana.lk)

(This story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)