Published on - 10/31/2004
The last batch of the Haiti bound UN peacekeepers of the Sri Lanka Army, amidst greetings from the Commander of the Army, their Senior Officers and their next of kin left Sri Lanka on Sunday (31) evening to take over UN peacekeeping duties.
The Army created history in Sri Lanka by joining the UN peacekeeping forces for the first time after selected Officers and Other Ranks underwent training at Kukuleganga Institute of Peace Support Operations Training in Sri Lanka.
With today's departure of 13 Officers and 296 Other Ranks for Haiti, the number of Army personnel now stationed in Haiti stands at 750, as agreed in concurrence with UN guidelines.
Lt Gen S. H. S Kottegoda, Commander of the Army extending his best wishes shared a couple of thoughts with his fellow-soldiers before they boarded the flight as troops present began waving UN and Sri Lankan flags in glee.
Today's departure brings the culmination of the dispatch of first contingent meant to serve the UN in Haiti.
