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Lankan students in Russia put in tough spot

10 Mar 2022

  • Visa/Mastercard suspension, skyrocketing prices of essentials cause issues 
BY Pamodi Waravita  Following the suspension of Visa and Mastercard services in Russia, as part of the ongoing sanctions against the country, Sri Lankan students studying in Russia have been left heavily inconvenienced, with no access to their banking services.  Speaking to The Morning, a student currently studying at a medical university in Russia, where about 300 Sri Lankan students are currently studying, said that since yesterday (10), their Visa and Mastercards have been blocked.  “They announced it on 6 March. They gave a four-day period and as of yesterday, the cards are blocked. The problem is mainly for us foreigners here,” he said.  To combat the problem in the short term, parents of most students have sent money sufficient for two months by yesterday.  “My living cost is usually about Rs. 25,000 per month. This is because I live in a hostel where rents are cheaper. If I lived in a single-bedroom apartment, rent would cost about Rs. 40,000. With the devaluing of the Russian ruble since the war began, the prices of some essential goods such as rice have skyrocketed as well. Although we managed to get money for two more months, we are still unsure about the future,” he explained.  In the long term, the students have planned to utilise the “UnionPay” banking system, which is available in a few Sri Lankan private banks.  “The Russian Government announced that the UnionPay option will be possible in Sri Lanka. So, we have asked our parents to try and get cards with that facility available and to send them to Russia.” However, he said that despite the uncertainties created by the war, none of his fellow students have shown an interest in coming back to Sri Lanka, instead choosing to prioritise their education.  “Another batch of students is also expected this year,” he added.  Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February morning, which has led to more than 400,000 people fleeing to neighbouring European countries. Belarus, Ukraine’s neighbouring country, is allied with Russia in the war. This has also impacted Sri Lankans living in Ukraine – 15 students studying there have since left the country. From the 81 Sri Lankans who were living there previously, 27 have chosen to remain in the country.  Ukraine continues to fight and resist the Russian invasion, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refusing to surrender. The US along with other European nations have already imposed sanctions on Russia, and have expelled Russia from SWIFT, which is a high security network of financial institutions. Ukraine and Russia commenced peace talks at the Belarus border on 28 February.


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