Sri Lanka is without a representation at top diplomatic level in Moscow, even as several of her countrymen had either been killed or injured while fighting for Russia against Ukraine.
According to reports reaching ‘The Leader’, there is no ambassador or a deputy ambassador posted to the mission in the Russian capital.
State defence minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon told the media about 16 Sri Lankans serving in the Russian Army, but the actual figure could be much higher.
Speaking to ‘The Leader’, an injured Sri Lankan in hospital in Donetsk said around 10 of his fellow Lankan recruits were not living now.
More injured Lankans are reportedly warded in hospitals in Moscow, Kurcow and St. Pittsburgh.
Many are trying to return home, but bound by a service contract, the Russian Army refuses to allow them go.
These Lankans are surprized that their country is without a responsible diplomatic officer in Moscow.
The post of ambassador remains vacant since Prof. Janitha Liyanage completed her tenure on 30 April.
A very junior officer is presently serving on an acting capacity.
Prior to completion of her tenure, Liyanage told a YouTube channel that she had sought a meeting with the Russian foreign ministry to discuss about these Sri Lankans.
It is unclear if any meeting took place after she left the job.
(By a special correspondent)