By Fatally Wounded in Ukrainian Attack: Sri Lankan Fighter’s Tragic Story
In the Donetsk region of Ukraine, a harrowing incident unfolded as Sri Lankan fighter Senaka Bandara attempted to rescue his injured comrade, Nipuna Silva, from a Russian bunker under Ukrainian attack. Senaka, bleeding from his legs and hands, described Nipuna’s even worse condition, with injuries to his chest, hands, and legs.
As they retreated under fire, a devastating wave of Ukrainian drones struck their bunker, leaving Senaka with no choice but to leave Nipuna behind to the onslaught.
Senaka recounted their unawareness of the ongoing attack, as they had been assigned to bunker duty without knowledge of the imminent danger. Both Sri Lankans had joined a Russian auxiliary force and received minimal training before being deployed to the front line.
Tragically, Nipuna’s body was later identified by fellow Sri Lankans serving with the Russian forces, marking the second Sri Lankan casualty in recent months fighting for Russia in Ukraine.
The motivations behind Sri Lankans joining the conflict highlight broader socioeconomic struggles in their homeland. Economic collapse and political upheaval in Sri Lanka have led to severe hardships, prompting individuals like Nipuna to seek better opportunities abroad.
Nipuna’s desperate situation, burdened by debt and unable to provide for his family, led him to make the fateful decision to fight in Ukraine. Despite initial promises of financial stability, his journey ultimately ended in tragedy, leaving his wife, Wasanthi, and young son bereft of his presence.
The allure of financial compensation and the prospect of a better life in Russia have prompted many Sri Lankans, both retired soldiers and active military personnel, to consider joining the Russian army, even in the face of grave danger.
The stark reality of individuals risking their lives for economic relief reflects a troubling trend, mirroring past instances where poverty-stricken Sri Lankans sought military service as a means of survival during the country’s civil war.
Despite the risks and losses, the cycle persists, with individuals like Senaka and his fellow Sri Lankan soldiers feeling trapped by their contractual obligations in a conflict far from home.
Meanwhile, Wasanthi grapples with uncertainty and grief, awaiting official confirmation of her husband’s fate, while facing the harsh reality of life without him.
The heartbreaking narrative underscores the profound impact of socioeconomic hardship on individuals’ choices and the devastating toll of conflict on families torn apart by war.
[Source: Al Jazeera]
