SRI LANKAN PEACEKEEPERS IN BEIRUT, LEBANON CELEBRATE 76TH NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY

Sri Lankan peacekeepers serving at the 14th contingent of Sri Lanka Force Protection Company (SLFPC) in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) celebrated the 76th National Independence Day of Sri Lanka in a special program held on Sunday (04) February 2024 at the Boghossian Theatre in Beirut, Lebanon.

HE the Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Lebanon, Mr. Kapila Susantha Jayaweera graced the event as the Chief Guest and the event organized by the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Lebanon. The Contingent Commander of 14th SLFPC, Colonel D.P.L.T Kaluaggala RSP USP IG together with Major E.M.H.C de Saram, Major S.M.N.M Mannage, Major R.M.P.W.B Ilukkumbura and the cultural team of 14th SLFPC participated for this program.

The event was commenced with hoisting the National flag by HE the Ambassador and was followed by reading the special messages issued on the Independence Day by HE the President of Sri Lanka, Hon. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka. Next, a cultural program was staged with colourful dancing items and a calypso band performance by 14th SLPFC peacekeepers, attracted the audience. Meanwhile, a special plaque was presented by HE the Ambassador to the Contingent Commander of 14th SLFPC in appreciation of peacekeeping duties performed in Lebanon.

Consular General of Sri Lanka in Damascus, Syria, Contingent Commander of 14th SLFPC attended the program as guests of honour. A large gathering comprised of dignitaries from the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Lebanon, Sri Lankans living in Lebanon and Lebanese citizens witnessed the colourful program.