SL Army personnel dies in Mali, body to be brought soon

The remains of Lance Corporal M.G.L Deshapriya who died of a cardiac arrest while serving in the UN peacekeeping force will be brought to the country soon, Army said.

Peacekeeping troops of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) have formally presented a military salute and bid farewell to the late Lance Corporal Deshapriya of the 6 Sri Lanka Army Service Corps who passed away on February 11 following a sudden cardiac arrest upon admission to the MINUSMA Bamako Level - 3 Hospital.

The remains of late Lance Corporal M.G.L Deshapriya (42), a father of two, and a resident in Medawachchiya is to be brought to Sri Lanka shortly for final funeral arrangements.

In conformity with UN traditions, MINUSMA troops presented a salute lowering flags and honoured their comrade during the formal military parade before floral tributes were made to the coffin, draped in the UN flag, Army said. 

Ms Daniela Kroslak, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for United Nations MINUSMA in Mali paid her last respect to the deceased.