THE 13th Sri Lanka Army contingent on UN Peace Keeping Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) left the island on 4th February for a period of six months.
This 750 strong contingent from Gemunu Watch (GW) is to be commanded by Colonel H.P.N.K. Jayapathirana. The first group, comprised of 40 officers and 210 other ranks left for Haiti on 29th January. The final contingent left on staggered bases on February 1st and 4th.
A total of over 8749 members from the Sri Lanka Army have so far participated in the UN Peace Keeping Missions to-date since 22nd October, 2004, the year that marked the first dispatch of Sri Lanka Army contingent for UN Peace Keeping Mission to Haiti. They belonged to the Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment (SLLI).
After Sri Lanka joined the United Nations Organization in 1955, the first UN mission of the Army was sent to Congo in the African continent. It was only a 16 member team and its mission commenced in 1960 and ended in 1962.
Currently, Sri Lankan Army troops are engaged in the UN Peace Keeping Missions in Haiti with a strength of 960 members with observation missions in Western Sahara 3 members, Congo 4 members and Sudan 6 members. Sri Lanka achieved 21st position among 115 countries contributing troops to UN peace keeping missions.
Sri Lankan peace keepers provide security to all key towns, along main roads and suburbs and also prevent armed groups from engaging in violent activities.
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