The customary UN medal awarding ceremony for 850 Sri Lankan peacekeepers in the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) took place recently.
A special press announcement, released by the MINUSTAH Military Public Information Office in Port-au-Prince, Haiti went on to state that the exemplary service and dedication of the Sri Lankan peacekeepers deserves commendation.
Here is the full text of the press announcement issued by MINUSTAH on March 12, 2015;
Sri Lanka Peacekeepers Honoured at UN Ceremony, Awarded Peacekeeping Medal
Leogane, Haiti/ March 12, 2015 - More than 850 UN Peacekeepers from Sri Lanka were awarded the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) medal today for exemplary service and their dedication in supporting the UN mandate to secure peace and stability for the people of Haiti.
Sri Lanka is one of the longest serving nations in MINUSTAH, joining the mission on Oct. 25, 2004. Since that time Sri Lanka has repeatedly deployed more than 800 military personnel to Haiti for six-month rotations. The current Sri Lanka battalion, which is comprised of Army, Navy and Air Force personnel, arrived in Haiti on Dec. 7, 2014, and is scheduled to return home in early May.
“All of you have shown remarkable courage in fulfilling your duty,” said Sandra Honoré, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of Mission, during her remarks to the troops in formation. “I thank you for your dedicated service and I commend each and every one of you for your commitment and unwavering contribution to maintaining security in Haiti,” she said.
Sri Lanka Soldiers have been, and continue to be, strong partners with the Haitian National Police force in their area of responsibility. They have conducted numerous joint foot and motorized patrols helping to promote safe and secure communities in the most populated regions of Haiti. Regional Police commissioner and several members of the Haitian National Police leadership were in attendance at the ceremony to honor the Sri Lanka battalion.
Ms. Honoré made special note of Sri Lanka’s accomplishments that go beyond security. She highlighted the battalion’s significant community outreach efforts that had benefited more than 10,000 people through medical and dental care, youth vocational training, blood donation, distribution of school items, along with water and food distribution.
The battalion’s initiative “…was essential at creating, building and consolidating the trust MINUSTAH needs to carry out its mandate,” said the head of the UN mission in Haiti. Ms. Honoré concluded her remarks by congratulating the 20th Sri Lanka Contingent Commander, Col. Asoka Wijenayaka RSP USP, for his “exemplary leadership in ensuring all members of the contingent upheld the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and conduct expected of Peacekeepers.”
Prior to the awarding of medals, Colonel Wijenayaka addressed his troops and shared that he is “filled with pride and sincere gratitude for their tireless efforts in delivering Peace to Haiti,” he said. “Your training, professionalism and experience have allowed you to perform exceedingly well in your mission which has brought honor to our military and our country, and for that you can stand proud,” said the commander.
Sri Lanka has been an enduring contributor to Peacekeeping operations with the UN for more than 55 years, which was noted by the UN military component Force Commander, Lt. Gen. José Luiz Jaborandy Jr (Brazil).
“You are motivated by a spirit of international solidarity,” he said. “You travelled far knowing that your help was necessary here in Haiti and you readily accepted this tough mission offering a helping hand to those in need.” said General Jaborandy.
The force commander shared that he is confident the “amazing work that you are doing” enabled the local population to work, live and raise families in a safer atmosphere, thus paving the way for social and economic development in Haiti, he said.
The nighttime medal ceremony was attended by dozens of military and police authorities along with local business leaders in the region. The UN mission leadership also made note of a military guest visiting from Sri Lanka, Maj. Gen. NAJC Dias WWV RWP RSP USP NDC, a special representative from the Sri Lanka Armed Forces. General Dias is the Colonel of the Regiment of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, which is one of the main infantry components of the Sri Lankan Army. The infantry element of the current Sri Lanka battalion is mainly comprised of Soldiers from theGeneral Dias’s regiment. He is also acommander of one of the key Security Force Headquarters in Sri Lanka.
General Dias heard from UN leaders in Haiti about the significant accomplishments of his country’s forces that go beyond the current battalion’s accomplishments. Sri Lanka forces were a key enabler following the 2010 Earthquake, delivering life-saving supplies and support to those in need. More recently, the battalion helped enable the 5th Anniversary Earthquake Commemorative Run, where hundreds of runners and community partners gathered to celebrate life, hope and Peace with the Leogane Rotary club.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, General Jaborandy shared that it is truly gratifying to know that Sri Lanka’s efforts will contribute to build a better future for the Haitian community. “The medal you are receiving today is awarded on behalf of the United Nations Secretary General in recognition of your service to Peace,” he said in closing.
The UN Medal presented was created by UN resolution 1542 in 2004. The ribbon bears a band of four colors as follows: the Blue represents the United Nations; the Green symbolizes the lush green countryside & economic potential of Haiti; the Royal Blue symbolizes the ocean surrounding the island of Hispaniola; the White symbolizes the promise of peace for the Haitian people. The qualifying service for receipt of the medal is 90 days of honorable, continuous service with the Mission.
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