Gemunu soldiers bid goodbye to their colleagues

Soldiers of the Gemunu Watch (GW) in the Army are next in line for departure to the State of Haiti on UN Peace Keeping assignments after bidding farewell to their Regimental colleagues at Kuruwita, Ratnapura.

A large gathering of Senior Army Officers and well-wishers were present at the ceremonial parade, held on Monday (21) at Kuruwita GW Regimental Headquarters (RHQ) in Ratnapura on the eve of their departure.

Major General P.S.B. Kulatunge, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Wanni and also the Colonel of the Regiment GW took the salute as the Chief Guest on the occasion.

Colonel M.K.Jayawardane, Centre Commandant GW received the Chief Guest at the main entrance and accompanied him to the saluting dais upon inspecting the guard turnout.

At the culmination of the parade, Major General P.S.B. Kulatunge handed over the UN flag, Sri Lanka flag and the Army flag to Colonel J.C.P. Pakshaweera, Commanding Officer, UN Peace Keeping Operations Battalion.

Those GW troops are scheduled to leave on 24th November 2005.

The GW which has a 48-year long history has been awarded with President's Colours and Unit colours in recognition of its yeoman service to the nation as an infantry Regiment.

The UN contingent consists of 35 Officers and 527 Other Ranks from GW and 14 Officers and 174 Other Ranks from Service and Support Regiments.

The latest Sri Lankan Contingent will take over duties from Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) troops who are presently serving in Haiti.