DGGS PRIOR TO NEW DEPLOYMENT IN MALI MEETS UN SRSG IN MINUSMA

Major General M.G.W.W.W.M.C.B Wickramasinghe RWP RSP ndu psc, Director General General Staff (DGGS), together with Colonel S.W.P.M.H.R Senadheera RWP USP psc, designate Contingent Commander Combat Convoy Company - B1 (CCC- B1) for the UN Peace-Keeping Mission in the United Nations (UN) Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) made a reconnaissance visit to Mali, prior to the deployment of the new CCC-B1 contingent later in September, this year.

During the visit on Monday (26 June), Major General M.G.W.W.W.M.C.B Wickramasinghe RWP RSP ndu psc representing the Commander of the Army called on the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the MINUSMA, Mr M. El-Ghassim WANE, Acting Force Commander, Mission Chief of Staff and MINUSMA Headquarters in Gao, Mali and had a formal discussion on the planned new deployment of the CCC - B1 from Sri Lanka. They both explored practical aspects as regards the designate new deployment of peace-keepers and other ground realities in the terrains of Mali.

The CCC - B1 contingent of Sri Lanka is comprised of 22 Army Officers and 243 Other Ranks and has already completed their training before they undertake new responsibilities.

The visiting DGGS was warmly received by the SRSG of the United Nations on his arrival there.

Colonel S.W.P.M.H.R Senadheera RWP USP psc, Contingent Commander, Combat Convoy Company - B1 (CCC- B1), Lieutenant Colonel S.M Bandaranayake RWP RSP, Logistic Officer of 4th CCC and Lieutenant Colonel H.M.W.R Herath, Supply and Transport Officer of 4th CCC were also associated with the meeting.