24th March 2025 17:10:13 Hours
The 16th contingent of the Sri Lanka Force Protection Company (SLFPC) is set to embark on its peacekeeping mission under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). They presented a ceremonial salute to Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, Commander of the Army, at the parade ground of the Gajaba Regiment (GR) on 22nd March 2025.
The Chief Guest was warmly welcomed by Major General M.G.W.W.W.M.C.B Wickramasinghe RWP RSP ndu psc, Chief of Staff. The Army Chief was then invited to receive the Guard Turnout at the entrance, presented by Gajaba troops as a formality upon his arrival. Following the formalities, the Chief Guest reviewed the ceremonial parade.
Symbolizing the readiness of the SLFPC contingent for the UN mission, the Commander of the Army handed over the National Flag, the United Nations Flag, the Army Flag, and the Gajaba Regiment Flag to the SLFPC Contingent Commander as part of the formal proceedings.
The 16th SLFPC contingent comprises 125 Army personnel, including 11 Officers and 114 Other Ranks from various Corps and Regiments of the Army. It is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Y.S.H.N.P. Silva USP psc of GR, while Lieutenant Colonel B.M.A.I.U Obayasena USP psc of the Mechanized Infantry Regiment (MIR) serves as the Second-in-Command.
Soon after the ceremonial parade, the Army Chief addressed the contingent, emphasizing the adherence to UN regulations, Army Act and Sri Lanka Army Core Values while serving in Lebanon and highlighted the significance of overseas operations for both country and the organization. Further, he also outlined that strict actions are being taken to produce the absentees who are engaging in illicit activities in society tarnishing the reputation of the Sri Lanka Army, before the law.
The troops of the 16th SLFPC then posed for a group photograph with the day’s Chief Guest, and afterwards, the Army Chief had a cordial interaction with the contingent members and their family members.
At the end of the day’s proceedings, the Colonel of the Regiment of GR presented a special memento to the Commander of the Army before his departure.
The Deputy Chief of Staff, Centre Commandant, Senior Officers, Officers, Other Ranks and families of the contingent troops witnessed the parade.
