UN MEDAL PARADE CEREMONY AND INSPECTS TROOPS OF 11TH SRI LANKA FORCE PROTECTION UNIT IN LEBANON
The customary UN medal parade ceremony was held at UNIFIL HQ on 09 October 2017 that appreciates the exemplary contribution made by any specific contingent in Lebanon. Major General Michael Beary, Head of Mission and Force Commander – UNIFIL grace the occasion as the Chief Guest. The parade is held once any contingent completes its Six-month stay in Lebanon under UN Peace Keeping Mission.
Her Excellency H M G R R K Wijerathne Mendis, the Ambassador of Socialist Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka to Republic of Lebanon also attended the medal parade as the special guest of honour. Furthermore Major General W B D P Fernando RWP RSP USP psc, Deputy Chief of Staff and Colonel of the Regiment , the Gemunu Watch also attended the medal parade as a special guest of honour, representing the Sri Lanka Army. In addition to that Director Staff Duties Brigadier, S P Senevirathne,Commandant Central Arms and Ammo Deport, Colonel W A P M Wijesinghe RSP, Battalion Commanders of Foreign Countries under UNIFIL HQ and Senior Officers in Lebanon Army were participated for the ceremony.
Sri Lankan UN contingent consisting with ten Officers and one hundred and forty other Ranks who are serving in Lebanon at present is expected to return to Sri Lanka after completing their mission at first quarter in 2018 enabling the next Sri Lankan contingent to take over duties.
Meanwhile Major General W B D P Fernando RWP RSP USP psc, Deputy Chief of Staff and Colonel of the Regiment, the Gemunu Watch on arrival received the Guard Turnout and was welcomed by Commanding Officer for 11th Sri Lanka Force Protection Unit in Lebanon at Sri Lankan Base in UNIFIL HQ. Thereafter the Commanding Officer conducted a briefing on duties and function of SL Force Protection Unit. After that, Addressing troops , Deputy Chief of Staff and Colonel of the Regiment, the Gemunu Watch extended his sincere gratitude to all officers and men for their commitment and dedication exhibited whilst serving in Lebanon in order to achieve the aim UN Peacekeeping mission. He further stressed that requirement of maintaining of high standard of discipline and tolerance when performing duties since those are responsibilities of as UN Peacekeepers.
Further Chief of Staff and Colonel of the Regiment, the Gemunu Watch, inspected equipment, facilities and other arrangements that have been made available to the soldiers at the contingent Headquarters. At the end of the inspection, he was invited to share refreshments with all ranks before the next event in the agenda.
Later he was invited to pay a goodwill visit the UNIFIL HQ and was invited to plant an Orange tree sapling inside the SL Base as a gesture of memory of the visit.
During the same visit, abide by the customs he met Major General Michael Beary, Head of Mission and Force Commander – UNIFIL at his Office premises. On arrival Chief of Staff and Colonel of the Regiment, the Gemunu Watch received the Guard of Honour by UN troops in accordance with military traditions. During the meeting, the force commander appreciated the dedication and commitment of Sri Lankan troops and positive attitude of their commitments. He also stressed regarding high standard of discipline and the excellent relationship maintaining with allied UN Forces and local population by the Sri Lankan troops. Finally they were exchanged symbolic mementos to remember this memorable visit to UNFIL HQ in Lebanon.
