01st October 2021 17:40:46 Hours
The customary medal awarding for troops serving the 7th contingent of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) got underway on 23 Sep 2021 at South Sudan-based hospital premises with the participation of the UNMISS Deputy Force Commander, Major General Main Ullah Chowdhury as the Chief Guest and staff members at the Force Headquarters in the Sector East Headquarters.
The Chief Guest was received by the Contingent Commander of the SRIMED Level 2 hospital Colonel D.R.S.A Jayamanna at the main gate of the hospital. The Chief Guest paid his gratitude to all peacekeepers who have hitherto sacrificed their lives for the long-lasting world peace by laying a flower wreath at the monument. Thereafter the Chief Guest inspected the Guard Turnout and the Guard of Honour composed of three officers and 26 non-commissioned officers where he received the salute.
The parade was commanded by Major D.L.P Kahawatta who is the Chief Logistic Officer of the SRIMED level 2 hospital. Platoon Commanders were Major (QM) J.G Pradeep Kumara and Capt (QM)Tech LP Heenatigala. Warrant officer I R.H.K.H Amarasooriya and Warrant officer II S.P.W Premachandra were Parade Drill Instructors.
The Head of Field Office Mr. Isidore Boutchue, Deputy Sector Commander Colonel Happy Ruvusha and Field Administrative Office Representative Mr. Efram Araya, together with the day's Chief Guest pinned medals to all 66-member strong SRIMED contingent members.
The Chief Guest during the speech highly appreciated the dedicated services rendered by SRIMED level 2 hospital contingent as the main health partner to entire Jonglei state of South Sudan, in the wake of casualty evacuations and the outbreak of COVID 19 pandemic. He also conveyed the best wishes of Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) for UNMISS Mr.Nicholas Haysom and Force Commander for UNMISS Lieutenant General ShaileshTinaikar during his address.
Medal awarding ceremony was coloured by a drill display and a cultural show which were performed by SRIMED level 2 hospital members. Major W.G.L Jayarathne delivered the vote of thanks and the entire ceremony was moderated by Major K.M.S.T Kulathunga and WO II W.A. R Lakshika as comperes.The Chief Guest signed the visitors’ book by expressing his gratitude. Finally, hospital staff offered a SRIMED Level 2 Hospital Coin and Sri Lankan tea to all participants who came from the Force Headquarters and the Sector Headquarters The SRIMED contingent in South Sudan at present after completion of its tenure is set to return home.
