Opposition Parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara has raised concerns about a growing trend where Sri Lankan retired military personnel are allegedly being exploited in a scheme to send them to serve in the Russian and Ukrainian Armies.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday (24), he claimed that a significant number of Sri Lankan retired military personnel are being sent to Russia and Ukraine to serve as militants and general camp helpers.

"This has become a large-scale racket now. They are being sent to serve as helpers in camps, but later, they are being forced to serve as militants. Sri Lankans joining these two countries and fighting with each other is an unfortunate situation."

He also explained that Sri Lankans who have joined the Russian and Ukrainian Armies had to face tragic events, and that therefore, the Government should initiate action to prevent such incidents. "One Sri Lankan retired military member had, together with two other persons, been deployed to a battle tank. It had been blasted and two people died. This particular retired military member had managed to come out of the tank, but he has since gone missing. He was a talented military officer while in Sri Lanka." Speaking further, Jayasekara said that the Government should find out who is behind sending military personnel to Russia and Ukraine, and how many Sri Lankans have been sent thus far.

"About Rs. 1.8 million is being charged from one person to go to Russia or Ukraine. Those who send them do so by publishing advertisements. Retired military personnel become victims of this racket as they have no sufficient means to live here. The Government should protect their dignity and take appropriate actions."

In response to him, the Leader of the House Minister Susil Premajayantha said that the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe would respond to Jayasekara.

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, marked a significant escalation of tensions between the countries. The war has resulted in widespread destruction, significant civilian casualties, and the displacement of millions of people.

The Supreme Court granted leave to proceed with the Fundamental Rights petition filed by former CID Director SSP Shani Abeysekara challenging the National Police Commission’s decision to interdict him from police service following the Presidential Election 2019.

China assured its fullest support and cooperation to conclude the debt restructuring process in Sri Lanka, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said.

Former President Maithripala Sirisena has appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department in order to record a statement yesterday (3). Accordingly, Sirisena recorded a statement for two hours at the CID, regarding the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, in response to allegations about the tender process, said there is no such requirement to call for tenders because these are the only companies involved in e-visa processing in different countries.

The Sri Lankan rupee has now become one of the fastest-growing currencies in the world, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong had called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees in Colombo yesterday (May 02) to discuss ways and means of early implementation of the agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) reached between the two countries during the Prime Minister’s official visit to China in March 2024.

In a significant development aimed at revitalising maritime infrastructure, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to obtain a proposed financial grant from India for the renovation of the Karainagar Boat Yard.

Tourism stakeholders said Sri Lanka now has the highest visa costs in Asia, creating a significant barrier for tourists compared to competing destinations like Thailand, Vietnam and many others that offer free visas or charge much lower fees.

Former Sri Lankan cricket captain and former Minister Arjuna Ranatunga refuted reports that he had joined the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) though he appeared in a May Day rally in Talawakale which Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa had attended.

The price of a 12.5 kg domestic Litro LP gas cylinder will reduced by Rs.175 from midnight today, Litro Gas said. Accordingly, the new retail price of a cylinder of 12.5 kg LP gas will be Rs.3,940 The 5 kg cylinder of LP gas will be reduced by Rs. 70 and the new retail price will be Rs.1,582 The 2.3 kg cylinder of LP gas will be reduced by Rs.32 and the new retail price will be Rs.740.