The number of complaints related to human trafficking involving retired military personnel being sent to the Russia-Ukraine war has risen to 186.

These complaints were received during the period from the 9th of this month until 6:00 AM today.

The Criminal Investigation Department is conducting further investigations into this illicit activity.

According to Police Media Spokesman, DIG & Attorney-at-Law Nihal Thalduwa a total of 11 retired military personnel have lost their lives in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Among them, 9 fatalities occurred in Russia, while 2 occurred in Ukraine.

An investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department has uncovered that retired army officers were dispatched to Russia and Ukraine after receiving payments ranging from Rs. 1 Million to Rs. 1.7 Million.

Additionally, a retired major general and a sergeant major involved in human trafficking, specifically sending individuals to Russia for military service, were apprehended by the Criminal Investigation Department in Kurunegala.

They were subsequently remanded after their court appearance.

The Ministry of Defence announced the establishment of a special unit to gather information on the human trafficking of retired Sri Lankan military personnel to the Russia-Ukraine war through illegal channels.

Accordingly, the Defence Secretary requests the family members of the concerned to provide information about retired Sri Lankan military personnel who have joined the Russia-Ukraine war via various routes, including the dates of their departure, persons and institutions that had coordinated their passages, to the following dedicated no: 0112441146.

The Defence Secretary also requests the general public to provide information about individuals involved in human trafficking, those who support it and any relevant information related to the above phone number.

As this is done to safeguard the safety of Sri Lankan citizens, everyone is encouraged to pay special attention and provide information in this regard.