Concerns were raised in Parliament today over the various reports of local employment rackets through which Sri Lankans were being recruited for the Russian and Ukrainian Military forces.
Addressing the Parliament, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara revealed that several Sri Lankans were being duped into being recruited as General Camp Helpers of the Russian Military, but were being deployed on the war front.
He further said that some Sri Lankans were being recruited to fight for the Russian Military, while some others were being duped into being recruited as General Camp Helpers for the Russian Military.
Stating that there was a large-scale racket being carried out in this regard, MP Jayasekara said most of these Sri Lankans are being tricked into fighting the Russian war.
MP Dayasiri Jayasekara further said that information has also come to light that the racketeers have obtained nearly Rs.1.8 million from those being recruited.
The MP pointed out that the key issue of this racket is the fact that Sri Lankan military personnel are being pitted against each other, as they are being forced to fight for Russia and Ukraine which are at war.
MP Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned what measures the government has taken to prevent such illegal recruitments, if the government was aware of those carrying out such rackets, and how many Sri Lankans have been recruited thus far.
Responding to the questions, Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said the Police has received information that the recruitments are being conducted by institutions operating as employment agencies.
He further said that information has been received that the racketeers are offering other job opportunities in Ukraine and Russia, but upon reaching the countries, the Sri Lankans are being deployed to fight in the war.
“The Police have already commenced investigations into the matter. The Foreign Employment Ministry has also conducted some investigations in this regard,” he said.
The Justice Minister added that further information will be provided to the Parliament via the Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles.
Concerns have been raised, as two persons, including a retired Sri Lanka Army Major, were recently apprehended over a financial scam promising jobs in the Russian Military.
The two men were arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department for fraudulently obtaining money from individuals on the promise of sending them for employment in the Russian army.
The arrests came against the backdrop of reports in the recent past of several Sri Lankans fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine, while three Sri Lankans were also reported killed while fighting for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion last year. (Newswire)