For many years, Russia has been a trusted friend and key partner in Sri Lanka’s development, consistently assisting without any conditions. The country played a crucial role in transforming Sri Lanka into an industrial hub by assisting in the establishment of sugar, steel, and tire production industries within the country.
The Russian Ambassador in Colombo, Levan Dzhagaryan, praised Sri Lanka’s stance on the Ukrainian matter in an interview with the Daily News, commending the country’s position in the face of Western influence.
Commenting on recent media reports of the alleged trafficking of ex-military officers of Sri Lanka to fight for Rusia in the Ukraine war, the Russian ambassador said that visas are issued to Sri Lankans by its Consular Section in Colombo based on valid documents of applicants in confirmation of their travel goals which have nothing to do with military operations.
“The protection of interests and rights of Sri Lankan citizens in the territory of Russia is under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow”, he stressed.
Ambassador Dzhagaryan stated that the Sri Lankan government has not approached the Russian government to investigate the purported racket.
“To my knowledge, the Russian government has not received an official request from the Sri Lankan government about this issue. I heard that the Sri Lankan delegation in Moscow is following this issue”, he said
Full interview:
Q: For decades, Russia has proven to be a dependable friend and close ally for Sri Lanka. How would you evaluate the relationship between the two countries?
A: Sri Lanka holds a significant place as one of Russia’s closest friends. We highly appreciate the policy of your government. It is a very balanced and neutral policy. Our shared perspectives on regional and global matters are crucial. Russia is currently encountering numerous challenges due to the ongoing conflict with the collective West. In times when safeguarding our sovereignty and independence is paramount, having strong friendships across Asia, Africa, and Latin America is of utmost importance.
There have been many exchanges between the two countries. Last year, the Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, Nikolai Patrushev, paid a visit to Sri Lanka. Just a few days ago, Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne, traveled to St. Petersburg to take part in the 12th International Meeting on Security Matters. At the start of this week, a military delegation from Russia, led by Deputy Chief of Staff of the Land Forces of the Russian Federation, Major General Sviridov Vladimir visited Colombo. They held a meeting with their Sri Lankan counterparts in Colombo. A Russian Naval ship also made a call at Colombo Port recently.
Minister of Media, Transport, and Highways, Dr Bandula Gunawardhana is scheduled to represent Sri Lanka at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June.
We are delighted by the increasing number of Russian tourists visiting Sri Lanka in large numbers. The 250,000th tourist to Sri Lanka will be welcomed soon. Sri Lankan tea is very popular in our country, and we are among the largest importers of Sri Lankan tea. After the conclusion of the military operation in Ukraine, Russia will have more active and closer ties with Sri Lanka in many areas.
Q: The two nations have established strong ties through collaboration across multiple sectors. How can we further enhance this partnership and promote greater interaction between the citizens of both countries?
A: We are dedicated to fostering cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sectors. Sri Lankans have shown a strong interest in learning the Russian language. The Russian Cultural Centre in Colombo plays a significant role in promoting Russian language education in Sri Lanka. Last Friday, the Russian Centre showcased a documentary titled ‘The Trace of Gagarin in Ceylon,’ which highlighted Soviet Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin’s visit to Sri Lanka as the first human to venture into outer space.
This visit took place in December 1961. We are honoured that many Sri Lankans cherish the memory of his visit, including his visit to Sivali Central College in Ratnapura. I would like to express my gratitude to the principal, staff, pupils of the college, and officials in the Ratnapura district for keeping this memory alive in their hearts. Russia has been offering fully-funded scholarships to Sri Lankan students, and we have recently increased the number of scholarships from 45 to 50. The Russian Cultural Centre is responsible for managing this programme. There is a strong bond and mutual understanding between Russian and Sri Lankan universities in Yekaterinburg and Cheboksary cities.
Q: The Russian government has already expressed its readiness to assist Sri Lanka in setting up a nuclear power plant. How has the Sri Lankan government responded to this proposal?
A: No response. The government has not responded yet. We had video conferences with the Russian Atomic Energy Corporation, Rosatom officials, and Sri Lankan colleagues. We have shared all the required information, and now it is in the hands of your government to decide on the proposal. The Russians have extensive experience in establishing nuclear power plants, as we have successfully constructed them in Turkey, India, and Bangladesh. We have already begun the construction of a plant in Myanmar too.
Q: How have the sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union affected Russia? What are the ramifications of the sanctions imposed against Russia?
A: Sanctions is a useless instrument. However, Russia has even made use of them to enhance its domestic products. We have successfully increased the production of goods within our country, particularly agricultural products such as grains. Previously, Russia used to import grains from Canada, but now we have the ability to export to other nations. The imposition of sanctions has resulted in Russia becoming the fourth-largest economic power in the world after the USA, China, and India.
Frankly speaking, we are grateful for the sanctions imposed. The sanctions on Russia have caused suffering for European countries and the US. However, despite these sanctions, France has emerged as one of the primary importers of Russian LNG. Japan has also become a major importer of Russian grain. However, we have now shifted our focus towards exporting our gas and oil. India and China have started importing Russian oil, while Europe and Turkey are receiving Russian gas. Consequently, imposing sanctions seems futile and merely a game. President Putin, addressing the Congress of Russian Businessmen recently, highlighted that the Russian GDP has grown by 3.6 percent in 2023. Our outlook for the future is positive.
Q: Do you think the Western media is portraying the Russia-Ukraine conflict with bias? If that is the case, why do you not have a viable mechanism to counter the spread of misinformation and disinformation?
A: Certainly. Yes, we have discussed the topic of freedom of speech. By examining Sputnik and Russia Today, you can observe their emphasis on the significance of freedom of speech when countering misinformation spread by Western media sources. Occasionally, we come across articles from journalists in friendly nations like Sri Lanka that are filled with misinformation and disinformation aimed at tarnishing Russia’s reputation.
We remind them that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. We challenge them to justify their involvement in these deceitful acts of disinformation and misinformation.
The United States breached international law when they entered Afghanistan and remained there for more than two decades. They were defeated by the Taliban and subsequently withdrew. Following this, American forces carried out airstrikes on the sovereign European nation – Yugoslavia in 1999 and later invaded Iraq, disregarding all international laws and norms. Their justification for this invasion was based on the claim that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein possessed nuclear weapons.
If you inquired about the individuals responsible for the nuclear bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki from a Japanese official, they would remain silent. It seems that they have chosen to forget their own history.
Q: Local media outlets have carried reports regarding the alleged trafficking of former Sri Lankan ex-military soldiers for military service in Russia. Are you aware of this?
A: We have issued a press release in this regard.
The Russian Embassy finds it necessary to stress that visas are issued to Sri Lankans by its Consular Section in Colombo based on the valid documents of applicants in confirmation of their travel goals, which have nothing to do with military operations.
We would like to note that protection of the interests and rights of Sri Lankan citizens in the territory of Russia is under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow.
It is up to look into by the Sri Lankan embassy in Russia. We would like to reiterate that the issues related to foreigners residing in Russia fall within the competence of relevant diplomatic representations in Moscow, while the Russian Embassy in Colombo is in charge of protecting the Russian citizens in Sri Lanka.
To my knowledge, the Russian government has not received an official request from the Sri Lankan government about this issue. I heard that the Sri Lankan delegation in Moscow is following this issue.
Q: What are your thoughts on the suspected trafficking of Sri Lankan ex-servicemen into the Ukraine-Russia conflict from the Ukraine side?
A: Thousands of mercenaries from various countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Colombia, are traveling to Ukraine. If they choose to engage in this conflict, the possibility of returning to their home countries in coffins is a harsh reality. We strongly advise them to refrain from participating in this conflict, as our victory is inevitable. We are determined to overcome the puppet regime in Ukraine and its Western sponsors.
Q: The United States recently made the decision to provide new weapons and equipment to Ukraine in order to assist Kyiv in repelling Russian advancements, allocating a total of US$ 61 billion in aid. What is the current status of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with additional assistance being sent to Ukraine?
A: The provision of weapons and equipment to Ukraine will help the escalation of war. It will lead to the loss of more lives. We strongly advocate for peaceful negotiations. In 2022, during our talks in Istanbul, we were on the verge of achieving an outcome. However, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s refusal to make peace with Russia hindered our progress. He was determined to prolong the conflict, viewing Russia’s victory as a threat to British and US dominance. While we support diplomatic solutions, the main obstacle lies in Washington’s stance. The US is focused on defeating Russia and seeking a strategic advantage over the Russian Federation. Yet, it is impossible to overpower a nuclear-armed nation. Such actions will only prolong the conflict and result in further loss of life.
Next year we are celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory Day commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. We defeat our enemy in 1945 and we will defeat our enemy once again. no doubt.
Chaminda Perera
