Special discussions held on issues in deploying forces, medical/nursing staff on UN Peacekeeping operations

Special discussions chaired by the Speaker were held this morning (Jan 30) in Parliament  regarding practical delays and other problems in deploying forces,  medical and nursing staff on UN peacekeeping operations.

According to the Speaker's Media Division, discussions were held with the participation of UN Resident Coordinator Hanaa Singer,  Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission Dr. Deepika Udugama and members of the Commission, the Ministry of Defence and the Additional Secretaries  Ministry of External Affairs, the Army Commander and Heads of the UN's Peacekeeping missions were also present

During discussions the Speaker expressed his condolences at the passing of Captain H.W.D Jayawickrama and Corporal S.S Wijekumara saying that the "Sri Lankan forces who are committed twards world peace bring great honour to the country."

Pointing out the importance of accelerating the process of selection of military personnel for peacekeeping missions from the Sri Lankan side the Speaker also explained to the UN envoy that the country hopes that necessary facilities towards that process would be supported with the assistance of the United Nations.

Ms Singer, appreciated Sri Lanka's contribution to the UN peacekeeping operations, and especially appreciated the support of the  Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) in particular.

She noted that "The Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission offers more assistance than  other human rights institutions in any other country in the process of deploying its own military forces for peacekeeping operations."

During discussions it was revealed that compensation is to be paid to the families of the Lankan UN Peacekeepers who lost their lives during a recent mission in Mali. Further, Ms Singer said she hopes to personally attend the funerals of the fallen Sri Lankan peacekeepers.