Combat Convoy Company Pre-deployment Training Course Level B-I (Female) for MINUSMA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali) was commenced on 13 June 2023 and successfully concluded on 27 June 2023. The course consisted with 39 students (04 x Officers and 35 x ORs) representing Sri Lanka Signal Corps, Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps, Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police, Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps and Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps.

According to the Strategic Plan 2022-2025, it guides for the next four years to sustained actions to achieve gender equality and to provide solutions to empowerment of all women and girls in the world. The United Nations highly concern to increase female peacekeepers in every mission environment.

Moreover, with the recommendation of Assessment and Advisory Visit team, who visited recently to inquire about the capabilities of Sri Lankan Peacekeeping, suggested to increase the participation of women in Peacekeeping proccess. It has been taken in to consideration and the Sri Lanka Army has decided to include female peacekeepers to the Combat Convoy Company (Mali). The curriculum of this course is consisted with practical and theoretical aspects of United Nations. Additionally the course has imparted knowledge concerning Provision of force protection to humanitarian assistance; brief awareness about the relevant host country and especially the duties and responsibilities which will belongs to them according to the mandate.

Furthermore, peacekeepers trained and practiced to focus on duties, such as ensuring security, stabilization and protection of civilians, the rebuilding of the security sector, and the promotion and protection of human rights in the country.

The closing remark was delivered by Brigadier C A Rajapaksha RSP, the Commandant of Institute of Peace Support Operations Training Sri Lanka.