15th SLFPC CONTINGENT IN UNIFIL SALUTES THE COMMANDER OF THE ARMY PRIOR TO DEPATURE

The 15th Contingent of the Sri Lanka Force Protection Company in the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) presented a ceremonial salute to Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General H L V M Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, afore their departure to take over peacekeeping duties on 01 March 2024 at the Regimental Centre, Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment Boyagane, Kurunegala.

After a warm welcome to the day’s Chief Guest, the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu by the Commander Security Force Central and Colonel of the Regiment of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Major General Rohitha Aluvihare RWP RSP ndu psc, he was invited to receive the Guard Turnout at the entrance, presented by VIR troops as a formality upon his arrival.

Subsequently, the day’s Chief Guest was formally ushered to the parade ground where the Parade Commander reported and requested the day’s protagonist to review the ceremonial parade. After a while, the Commander of the Army took the salute in conformity with military traditions.

Adding symbolic importance to the Sri Lanka Army’s UN assignment, the Commander of the Army handed over the National flag, United Nations flag, Army flag and the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment flag to the UNIFIL - bound SLFPC Contingent Commander as part of the formalities, highlighting that their preparations for the mission are now complete and ready to undertake responsibilities.

The 15th SLFPC contingent is comprised with 125 Army personnel, including 11 Officers and 114 Other Ranks from the Corps and Regiments of the Army. It was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Dharshana Vithanage RSP.

Soon after the ceremonial parade, the Commander of the Army talked to the contingent and highlighted the significance of the overseas assignment to the country and the Sri Lanka Army. In his brief address, the Commander of the Army underlined the importance of it and how the Sri Lankan contingent in the UNIFIL has become a prominent force.

Leaving an indelible gesture, the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage posed for a group photograph with troops of 15 Sri Lanka Force Protection Company adding much more memories to the day and then attended an all rank tea together with their family members at “The Salute” multifunctional hall of Vijayabhu Infantry Regiment.

Meanwhile, Colonel of the Regiment invited the Commander of the Army to unveil the pinnacle of newly constructed pagoda in the temple premises of Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment and later, the Commander of the Army addressed the troops at Archers Auditorium.

Finally, the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General H L V M Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, was presented a special memento marking his gracious presence as the Chief Guest for this vibrant ceremonial event by the Commander Security Force Central and Colonel of the Regiment of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Major General Rohitha Aluvihare. Major General SPAIMB Samarakoon Hdmc Lsc, Deputy Chief of Staff, Senior Officers, Officers, Other Ranks and families of the contingent troops witnessed the parade.