This marks the largest peacekeeping contingent ever deployed by Sri Lanka, comprising 1,132 personnel, and is also the first occasion on which a Sri Lankan President has personally attended a send-off ceremony for a UN peacekeeping deployment.
Addressing the troops, President Dissanayake said the deployment sends a powerful message to the international community that Sri Lanka possesses a disciplined force committed to protecting civilians, democracy and human rights wherever people face conflict or hardship.
He stressed that although Sri Lanka may not become the world’s wealthiest nation, it can become one of the world’s most respected countries through discipline, integrity and service. The President reminded the personnel that they carry the nation’s honour on their shoulders and urged them to uphold Sri Lanka’s reputation throughout the mission.
The contingent is scheduled to deploy to Haiti in August to support the UN-led mission aimed at restoring peace and stability amid the country’s ongoing security crisis.
The deployment includes 900 Army personnel, 189 Special Task Force officers, and 43 female Army personnel specially trained in mine and explosive ordnance disposal the first such female unit in Sri Lanka’s military history. The contingent has also been equipped with armoured vehicles, Sri Lanka-manufactured Uni Buffel vehicles, and two bulletproof vehicles provided by the Presidential Security Division.
During his address, the President said Sri Lanka has made significant progress in strengthening its economy to withstand both domestic and external shocks, citing the country’s response to recent natural disasters and global challenges. He also emphasised the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and building an internationally respected nation.
The President assured members of the armed forces that the government would stand by those who had lawfully carried out their duties in defence of the country, while also maintaining accountability for any actions that had damaged the reputation of the military.
Highlighting the significance of the peacekeeping mission, President Dissanayake said the troops would play a vital role in protecting the rights, freedom and democratic aspirations of the people of Haiti, while further enhancing Sri Lanka’s long-standing reputation as a disciplined and professional contributor to UN peacekeeping operations.
Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha, Army Commander Lasantha Rodrigo, Air Force Commander Bandu Edirisinghe, Navy Commander Kanchana Banagoda, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya, senior military officials, Acting U.S. Ambassador Jayne Howell, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, and family members of the departing peacekeepers were among those present at the ceremony.
