Nearly 70 former Sri Lankan military personnel, who have been legally discharged from service, have reportedly submitted applications to join the International Territorial Defense Force of Ukraine, commonly known as the Ukrainian Foreign Legion.
According to a former Sri Lankan military officer in Ukraine, these individuals have traveled to Azerbaijan, Dubai, and India to join the special unit led by the late Captain Ranish Hevage, who died in battle. They are currently awaiting transit to Ukraine via Poland.
Economic challenges in Sri Lanka are cited as a motivating factor, with ex-military officers reportedly attracted by a monthly salary ranging from 10 to 12 lakh rupees in the Ukrainian army.
