08th September 2023 15:30:45 Hours
The Sri Lankan delegation, currently in Lebanon, headed by Major General W.A.S.S Wanasinghe RSP VSV USP ndu, Chief of Staff of the Army on Wednesday (6 Sept) called at the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) HQ and formally met the Deputy Force Commander (DFC), Brigadier General Chok Bahadur Dhakal.
During the courtesy visit, the DFC in UNIFIL told the Sri Lankan delegation that the UNIFIL was pleased about the role and tasks, being played by the Sri Lankan contingent in Lebanon and highlighted the significance of the contingent duties for peace-keeping since Sri Lankan troops are well-trained, highly skilled and ready to take on any challenge.
Major General W.A.S.S Wanasinghe RSP VSV USP ndu, Chief of Staff of the Army extending courtesies thanked the UNIFIL for the confidence they have placed in the Sri Lankan troops at a time the country has been affected with economic hardships. He also explored possibilities of increasing the numbers in the Sri Lankan contingent in future.
The DFC also stated that steps could be taken to increase the numbers in the contingent provided a formal UN approval is granted in the future to the same effect.
The Sri Lankan delegation, headed by Major General W.A.S.S Wanasinghe RSP VSV USP ndu, Chief of Staff of the Army is comprised of Major General M.G.W.W.W.M.C.B Wickramasinghe RWP RSP ndu psc, Director General General Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, Colonel P.P.C Perera, Colonel Overseas Operations at the Directorate of Overseas Operations and Lieutenant Colonel D.P.L.T Kaluaggala, Contingent Commander of the 14th contingent of the Sri Lanka Force Protection Company (SLFPC) serving the UNIFIL.
The delegation is scheduled to attend the UNIFIL medal awarding parade in Lebanon shortly.
