FINAL FPC CONTINGENT FOR UNIFIL DUTIES IN LEBANON LEAVES FOR LEBANON

The second batch of 2 Officers and 48 Other Ranks, bound for UN Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon as the Army’s 13th contingent of the Sri Lanka Force Protection Company (FPC) left for Lebanon on Sunday (27) amidst greetings and best wishes.

Major General Jagath Kodithuwakku, Deputy Chief of Staff and Colonel of the Regiment Sri Lanka Light Infantry arrived at the airport to extend best wishes on behalf of the Commander of the Army and to see them off to Lebanon.

The Sri Lankan FPC is mandated to provide protection to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Headquarters in Naqoura, Lebanon and VIPs as required by the UNIFIL.

The Army’s 13th contingent for the Sri Lanka Force Protection Company in Lebanon includes 10 Officers and 115 Other Ranks, together with 1 Lady Officer and 7 Women soldiers for the first time. The contingent is mainly composed of Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment troops and their departure took place under two phases.

The first batch of 8 Officers and 67 departed for peacekeeping duties on 5 February. The contingent formally saluted the Army Chief in a special parade at Panagoda before the first batch left the island for Lebanon.