The body of the Sri Lankan national who died after being run over by a vehicle in the Rostov-on-Don region of Southern Russia on June 11, will be brought home this week. The deceased, Noel Ranaweera (37), was a longtime employee of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Russia, and a resident of Attanagalla. His death [...]

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SL embassy staffer killed in accident in Russia; body to be brought home

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The body of the Sri Lankan national who died after being run over by a vehicle in the Rostov-on-Don region of Southern Russia on June 11, will be brought home this week.

The deceased, Noel Ranaweera (37), was a longtime employee of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Russia, and a resident of Attanagalla.
His death came about following an argument between employees of a transport company engaged in transporting the baggage of a Sri Lankan cultural troupe that was on a roadshow promoting Sri Lanka as a tourist destination for Russians. The transport company was contracted to transport Sri Lankan delegates from June 10 to 14, but the drivers had wanted to return to Moscow on June 11. This had led to an argument, following which, Mr. Ranaweera was run over when the bus driver attempted to speed away.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Moscow, Udyanga Weeratunga said that three persons had been taken into custody by the Russian authorities, but opined the incident seems more accidental than deliberate. “The driver in question has worked with us for several years and been part of our roadshow activities. Embassy Second Secretary, Nuwan Ratnayaka, son of Private Transport Minister C.B. Ratnayaka received minor injuries during the incident.

The Ambassador denied any shots were fired at the Sri Lankans during the argument, but said Mr. Ratnayaka was injured by a piece of flying plastic.

Some Russian media reports said that shots were fired from a pistol during the incident.

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