Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath recently revealed in parliament that 59 Sri Lankans serving in the Russian Army have been killed on the Ukrainian battlefield as of January 20, according to data from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Russia.
Sri Lankans are also known to be fighting for Ukraine and a few of them are said to have died, although there is no official data available on this. Given that both sides are using mercenaries in large numbers, it is probable that around the same number of Sri Lankans are fighting and have suffered fatalities fighting for Ukraine as well.
Sri Lankans fighting in the Ukraine war has been a hot topic in Sri Lanka for the past year. Many commentators insist that Sri Lankans involved in this conflict have been duped into fighting and that the state must take immediate action to ensure their safe return to the country. This sentiment is not unique to Sri Lanka. Reports indicate that mercenaries from other South Asian countries are also fighting in Ukraine, with many observers claiming that recruiters have deceived their countrymen.
However, Herath confirmed that none of the Sri Lankans fighting for Russia had been duped or coerced. Most of these ex-soldiers have taken a rational decision to fight as mercenaries for Russia or Ukraine as it more lucrative and even respectable than staying in Sri Lanka doing odd jobs or joining criminal gangs.
The use of mercenaries in war is as old as warfare itself. From the armies of ancient Macedonia and Rome to the private forces of medieval Europe, mercenaries played a pivotal role in shaping history. Philip II of Macedonia employed mercenaries to conquer Thebes, while Carthage relied heavily on foreign fighters during the Punic Wars. In more recent times, mercenaries have reemerged as a significant force in conflicts across the globe, from Yemen and Syria to Ukraine and Iraq.
The modern private military industry, valued at billions of dollars, has become a global enterprise. In the past decade, wealthy nations like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have turned to Latin American and African mercenaries to wage wars in Yemen and Libya. Similarly, Russia has utilized private military companies like the Wagner Group to achieve strategic objectives in Syria and Ukraine. These groups, often operating in the shadows, have become indispensable to states and non-state actors alike, offering deniability and cost-effectiveness.
Sri Lanka’s 30-year civil war, which ended in 2009, left the country with a large, battle-hardened military. At its peak, the Sri Lankan Armed Forces numbered 300,000 personnel. Since then, the military has been downsized to around 150,000, with plans to reduce it further to 100,000. This downsizing has left thousands of ex-soldiers without clear career paths, leading to social and economic challenges. Many veterans struggle to reintegrate into civilian life, and some have turned to crime, exacerbating societal issues.
The presence of Sri Lankans in the Russia-Ukraine war highlights a potential solution to this problem — the formalization of mercenary work. By leveraging the skills of its ex-military personnel, Sri Lanka could address several pressing challenges. Sri Lanka’s economy has been in turmoil, with severe foreign revenue shortages and a mounting debt crisis. Deploying former soldiers as mercenaries in conflict zones like Ukraine could generate significant foreign currency. Private military companies (PMCs) often pay handsomely for experienced combat personnel, and these earnings could be repatriated to Sri Lanka, providing a much-needed boost to the economy. Additionally, the government could impose taxes or fees on such contracts, further increasing revenue.
While the economic and social benefits are compelling, the ethical implications of encouraging mercenary work cannot be ignored. Critics argue that mercenaryism perpetuates violence and undermines international law. However, with proper regulation, these concerns can be mitigated.
Sri Lanka could establish a framework to oversee the deployment of its citizens as mercenaries, ensuring compliance with international norms and protecting their rights. This could include mandatory training on the laws of war, oversight by a government-appointed body, and mechanisms to hold individuals and companies accountable for misconduct.
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka must consider how best to utilize its military-trained population. The downsizing of the armed forces will continue to release thousands of personnel into the civilian workforce, creating both challenges and opportunities. Beyond mercenary work, there are other avenues to explore.
Former soldiers could be employed by private security companies, both domestically and internationally. These firms often provide services such as asset protection, risk assessment, and crisis management, which align with the skills of military personnel.
Sri Lanka could collaborate with international organizations to deploy ex-soldiers in peacekeeping or humanitarian roles. This would not only provide employment but also enhance the country’s reputation as a contributor to global stability.
Sri Lanka’s military expertise could be marketed to other nations seeking to build or reform their armed forces. This could include training programs, strategic consultancy, and joint exercises.
Former soldiers could be integrated into national development projects, such as disaster response, infrastructure construction, and community policing. This would leverage their skills while addressing domestic needs.
The presence of Sri Lankans in the Russia-Ukraine war is a stark reminder of the global demand for skilled combat personnel. For Sri Lanka, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. By formalizing and regulating the deployment of its ex-military personnel as mercenaries, Sri Lanka could address economic, social, and geopolitical challenges. However, this must be done with careful consideration of ethical and legal implications.
As the world grapples with the resurgence of mercenaries, Sri Lanka has the chance to transform a post-war challenge into a strategic advantage. By leveraging its military-trained population, the country can not only secure its future but also contribute to a changing global landscape where the lines between state and private forces are increasingly blurred. The question is not whether Sri Lanka should engage in this arena, but how it can do so responsibly and effectively.