Panagoda: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake extended his best wishes to 1,132 Sri Lankan personnel set to depart for United Nations peacekeeping missions during a ceremony at the Sri Lanka Infantry Regimental Centre. This event marks the largest single deployment of Sri Lankan forces for such missions and the first time a President attended to offer personal good wishes.
According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, this deployment includes 900 Army personnel from various regiments, 189 Police Special Task Force officers, and 43 female Army personnel trained in demining and explosive ordnance disposal. The contingent is equipped with armoured vehicles, locally manufactured Uni Buffel vehicles, and two bulletproof vehicles from the Presidential Security Division. They will be deployed to Haiti in August as part of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) to help ease the current crisis and support peace and stability efforts in Haiti.
President Dissanayake addressed the gathering, underscoring the significance of the mission. He emphasized that the departing personnel carry the pride and honour of Sri Lanka and bear the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s dignity by performing their duties with professionalism and dedication. The President highlighted the importance of transforming Sri Lanka into a respected and dignified nation, despite challenges in achieving wealth.
The President also reflected on Sri Lanka’s economic resilience, citing the country’s capacity to withstand internal shocks like natural disasters and conflicts, as evidenced by its ability to allocate significant funds for recovery efforts without incurring new debt. He stressed the need for a strong economy and strategic planning to address external shocks and maintain national dignity.
Further, President Dissanayake spoke about the rule of law, stressing the need for equal application of laws to all citizens and the importance of international recognition for respecting the rule of law. He acknowledged the role of the armed forces and the Special Task Force in upholding legal principles and ensuring the freedom of citizens.
As the personnel prepare to leave for Haiti, the President assured the nation that the government would protect those who have acted in the country’s defense and investigate any actions that may have tarnished the military’s reputation. He concluded by expressing confidence in the contingent’s ability to represent Sri Lanka with honour and prestige on the international stage.