COLOMBO : You are demonstrating to the world that Sri Lanka possesses forces that are prepared to stand for the protection, democracy and human rights of oppressed people, wherever they may be.”
President extends his best wishes
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake joined the ceremony held this morning (26) at the Sri Lanka Infantry Regimental Centre in Panagoda to extend his best wishes to members of the Sri Lanka Army and the Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force who are set to depart on United Nations peacekeeping missions.
This marks the largest contingent of personnel ever to depart from Sri Lanka at a single time for United Nations peacekeeping operations. It is also significant as the first occasion on which a President has attended in person to extend his good wishes to the departing contingent.
Addressing the gathering, the President stated that this demonstrates to the world that Sri Lanka possesses forces prepared to stand for the protection, democracy and human rights of oppressed people wherever they may be. The President noted that this is a tremendous source of pride and honour for the nation. The President further pointed out that, although it may be difficult for Sri Lanka to become the wealthiest country in the world, it can nevertheless become one of the world’s most respected and dignified nations.
The President also emphasised that all those departing on peacekeeping missions carry the pride of the nation upon their shoulders and that it is the responsibility of every individual to safeguard the country’s honour and dignity by performing their duties with dedication and professionalism.
In order to help ease the current crisis in Haiti and support efforts to establish peace and stability in that country, the Government of Sri Lanka is scheduled to deploy this Gang Suppression Force (GSF) to Haiti in August.
The contingent comprises 900 Army personnel drawn from various regiments, 189 officers of the Police Special Task Force, and, for the first time in Sri Lanka’s military history, 43 female Army personnel specially trained in demining and explosive ordnance disposal operations. In addition, the battalion has been equipped with armoured vehicles, locally manufactured Uni Buffel vehicles, as well as two specialised bulletproof vehicles provided by the Presidential Security Division.
