Sri Lankan peace keeping troops in Haiti receive commendation from UN

Sri Lankan troops serving in United Nations peace keeping duties in Haiti have been recognized by the UN for their exclusive contribution, the Army said. The 20th Sri Lankan UN contingent of the armed forces, currently engaged in welfare and emergency relief operations in Haiti under the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), has received commendation from the MINUSTAH Force Commander Lieutenant General Jose Luiz Jaborandy. The troops were recognized for their dedicated service to the Haitian people during a special meeting held at the MINUSTAH Headquarters recently. The Sri Lankan contingent (20th SRIBAT) came in for praise for its efforts in organizing a Marathon Race with massive participation of the local population as well as the UN officials in remembrance of those who perished in Haiti's devastating earthquake in 2010. The event was conducted under the Civil-Military Coordination programme of the 20th SRIBAT in order to collect funds to provide pure drinking water to affected civilians.