Sri Lankan peacekeeping troops of UN mission in Lebanon praised

Sri Lankan troops serving in the United Nations mission in Lebanon have been praised by the UN for their dedicated contribution.

The Sri Lankan contingent, serving the United Nations’ Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was praised by the UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Luciano Portolano when he made his first formal visit to the Sri Based Camp – UNIFIL in Naqoura, Lebanon early this week.

A contingent of 150 Sri Lankan military officers, including 10 officers under the Sri Lanka’s Force Protection Unit (SLFPU) are engaged in close protection duties of the UNIFIL Headquarters in Lebanon, operating from their own Sri Base Camp in Naqoura.

SLFPU Contingent Commander Lieutenant Colonel G.P. Kodituwakku received the visiting UNIFIL Chief on arrival at the Sri Base Camp entrance. In accordance with military formalities, he was greeted to a Guard Turnout as a gesture of welcome and honour.

The SLFPU Commanding Officer made a presentation to the visiting Head of the Mission on the legitimate duties of the SLFPU in order to enlighten him. This is the ninth SLFPU serving the UNIFIL in Lebanon.

Major General Portolano, addressing the SLFPU troops at the Sri Base premises commended them for their excellent duties as well as the commitment and the dedication.