59 Sri Lankans killed in Russia – Vijitha

Published

2 months 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)

Easter Attacks PCOI report handed over to CID

Published

2 hours ago

April 20, 2025

editor

The final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has confirmed that Secretary to the President – Nandika Sanath Kumanayake handed over the report.

CID probe launched over photo of tooth relic

Published

3 hours ago

April 20, 2025

editor

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an investigation into a photo circulating on social media, allegedly showing the sacred tooth relic during the ongoing special exposition – ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ in Kandy.

According to Police Headquarters, the circulating image is seemingly an image taken by a devotee who attended the exposition, which is being held until April 27.

The police emphasises that devotees are not permitted to take photos or use their phones.

In this backdrop, the CID is investigating to ascertain whether the circulating photo was indeed taken during the ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ exposition, and whether it was a photo captured by someone or whether it is merely an edited image.

The CID investigation has been launched on the instructions of the Acting Inspector General of Police.

News

Brazilian nabbed at BIA with cocaine worth Rs. 240 mn.

Published

5 hours ago

April 20, 2025

editor

A Brazilian national was arrested by the Narcotics Control Unit at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) early this (April 20) morning over attempting to smuggle nearly 05 kg of cocaine concealed in his suitcase.

The suspect is a 59-year-old Brazilian teacher and the seized cocaine (4kg and 855g) is valued around Rs. 240 million.