SOUTH SUDAN BOUND 7TH ARMY CONTINGENT SALUTES ARMY CHIEF AT SLAMC REGIMENTAL HQ

The 7^th contingent of the Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps (SLAMC), bound for United Nations Peace-Keeping Mission in South Sudan’s Level-2 Hospital (UNMISS) on the eve of their departure presented a ceremonial salute to Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Army and Head, National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) at the SLAMC Regimental Headquarters ground at Werahera this morning (13).

The day's Chief Guest was welcomed by Brigadier Upul Weerakoon, Centre Commandant at the SLAMC Regimental HQ and was invited to review the Guard Turnout at the entrance, presented by SLAMC troops.

Soon after the day's Chief Guest was welcomed by Brigadier Krishantha Fernando, Colonel Commandant of the SLAMC and Director General of the Army Health Services, he was invited to the parade ground. After the parade commander invited Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva to review the Guard of Honour, accorded on his behalf.

Symbolic of the importance of the day's event, the day's Chief Guest after a while formally handed over the National flag, Army flag, United Nations flag and the Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps flag to the contingent.

The 6th Sri Lankan contingent already serving the UN assignment in South Sudan is expected to return home shortly soon after completion of their tenure of service in accordance with the provisions of the UN.

South Sudan bound 7th contingent, commanded by Colonel Roshan Jayamanna is made up of 4 Medical specialists, 4 Medical Officers and a Dentist, 1 Commanding Officer, 7 Administrative Officers, 41 SLAMC Other Ranks including Ward In-charge, nurses, critical care nurses (gynecological), operation theatre technician, Physiotherapy (DPM), radiographer, X-ray technician, SMO/MPH (ECG), dental assistant, dental technician, medical storman, pharmacist, pharmacy technician, lab technician, lab technologists, CSM, CQMS, hygiene assistant, admin clerk, cooks, ambulance drivers, sanitary duty man, mortuary attendant and 9 Other Ranks from the Sri Lanka Signal Corps, Corps of Engineer Service and the Sri Lanka Army Service Corps.

Extending his best wishes, the Army Chief soon after the ceremonial parade addressed the contingent and highlighted the value of their overseas duties, bringing pride and honour to the country. He also reminded them of the importance of maintaining the highest level of discipline while serving and their commitment to the role and tasks in South Sudan.

Senior Officers including Major General Duminda Sirinaga, Deputy Chief of Staff, Principal Staff Officers, Directors, Center Commandant of SLAMC, Senior Officer, Officers and Other Ranks were present during the occasion.

The UNMISS, headed by a Special Representative of the Secretary-General has deployed thousands of blue helmets, comprised of military personnel, Policemen and Civil Staffers in strife-torn South Sudan with the objective of bringing peace to the country.