06th February 2024 09:50:42 Hours
The 9th SRIMED contingent in South Sudan, comprising 9 Officers and 43 Other Ranks, returned to Sri Lanka on 05 February after completing their tour of duty at the South Sudan Level 2 hospital under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
A UN-chartered Ethiopian Airlines flight (ET 8606) landed at Bandaranaike International Airport at approximately 6:50 am, where the contingent was warmly welcomed by Major General P.A.C Fernando USP, Colonel Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps (SLAMC) and Director General Army Health Services, Major General W.L.A.C Perera RWP RSP USP, Director General Directorate of Movement, Brigadier W.A.U.S Wanasekara RWP USP, Centre Commandant, SLAMC and a gathering of Officers and Other Ranks.
The 9th South Sudan bound contingent, commanded by Colonel M.P.S.R Amarasekara USP and 2nd in Command, Major J.A.D.C.H Jayasinghe is made up of 66 Army personnel, including 17 Officers and 49 Other Ranks and they departed the country on 02 February 2023 for South Sudan Level - 02 hospital under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNIMISS).
The remaining group of 9th Sri Lankan (SRIMED) contingent already serving the UN assignment in South Sudan is expected to return home shortly soon after the new 10th contingent takes over their duties on 06 February 2024.