LEBANON’S SRI LANKAN TROOPS AT UNIFIL RECEIVE MEDALS

The Medal Parade of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the military ceremony that appreciates the exemplary dedication, made by any specific contingent, took place on 26th November 2021 at the UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura, Lebanon where the Sri Lankan contingent, was honoured awarding medals.

UNIFIL Head of the Mission and the Force Commander Major General Stefano Del Col graced the occasion as the Chief Guest at the invitation of the Sri Lankan contingent led by Lieutenant Colonel R.S Batagalla in Lebanon. HE the Ambassador of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Lebanon and Syria Mrs Shani Kalyaneratne Karunaratne, Senior Officers of Lebanon Armed Forces and Senior officials of the UNIFIL attended as special invitees at the ceremony.

Major General Vikum Liyanage, present Chief of staff and Colonel of the Regiment of Sri Lanka National Guard, Major General Kithsiri Liyanage, General Officer Commanding, 11 Division and Colonel of the Regiment of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment and Brigadier W.M.S.C.I Wanasinghe, Commandant Mechanized Infantry Regimental Centre of Sri Lanka Army attended on behalf of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, at the UNIFIL Medal Parade. They were welcomed by the Contingent Commander Lieutenant Colonel R.S Batagalla and invited to receive the salute before proceedings started.

The ceremony for awarding of UN medals in Lebanon, drew overwhelming admiration of the attendees, due to its blend of military and entertaining nature with a Sri Lankan Army drill display and a special dog talent show that was staged after the parade in Lebanon.

The occasion was dignified and brought about a spirit of celebrations, amidst fluttering UN, Lebanon and Sri Lankan National flags in the backyard as the parade commenced before a large gathering of invitees.

In addition, Major General Stefano Del Col, UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander, extended a warm welcome to the Sri Lankan delegation on arrival and had a courtesy office call, prior to the commencement of the Medal Parade proceedings.

The Sri Lankan delegation to the UNIFIL paid a courtesy call on HE the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Lebanon and Syria, Mrs Shani Calyaneratne Karunaratne in her office as a courtesy before they visited the Sri Lankan base.

A Guard Turnout accorded by Sri Lankan peacekeepers to Major General Vikum Liyanage in accordance with military traditions afterwards paved the way for him to address the Sri Lankan troops.

The Sri Lankan delegation also visited the blue line which laid along the border of Israel and Lebanon and met neighbouring Battalion Commanders of India and Nepal contingents.