14th February 2022 19:43:31 Hours
Combat Convoy Company of Sri Lanka Army was deployed in Gao Super Camp in Mali under MINUSMA since December 2017. The Combat Convoy Company is assigned with the task of providing much demanding protection to logistic convoys of the UN in order to ensure timely resupply of UN bases deployed under MINUSMA.
The 3rd Combat Convoy Company of Sri Lanka Army was deployed on 21 April 2021 and performs its duties with high commitments. The UN medal parade of the 3rd Combat Convoy Company was scheduled to be held on 17 January 2021 with the participation of a delegation from Sri Lanka Army. The delegation consists of three Major Generals; headed by Major General DG Hewage RSP, Major General SPAIMB Samarakoon Hdmc Lsc and Major General WMRWWHJB Wanigasekara USP reached Mali to attend the Medal Parade. The medal parade could not be held on the scheduled date due to unavailability of internal air passage due to ongoing volatile situation in Mali.
The delegation had bilateral meetings with the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) for MINUSMA, Force Commander and Deputy Force Commander of MINUSMA. The SRSG highly commented on the unparallel commitments and dedication of the Combat Convoy Company of Sri Lanka Army highlighting praiseworthy performance during convoy operations. He specially commented on the professionalism and bravery of the Sri Lankan troops displayed during the Operation Northern Gate conducted by the Combat Convoy Company of Sri Lanka Army to conduct reconnaissance up to Algerian border to facilitate to open a new supply route to UN bases in Northern part of Mali. Further the SRSG mentioned that the maintenance of 100% combat efficiency by the Combat Convoy Company of Sri Lanka army depicts the commitments, professionalism and devotion towards achieving assigned goals.
The delegation also exchanged some points highlighting to deploy Military Staff Officers under MINUSMA, increase the troops contribution from Sri Lanka Army up to a battalion and deployment of mounted QRT with motorcycles to operate during convoy operations.
