The Sri Lankan peacekeeping troops serving the United Nations’ Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was praised by the UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Luciano Portolano when he made his first formal visit to the Sri Based Camp - UNIFIL in Naqoura, Lebanon on Monday, the Army said.
A contingent of 150 Sri Lankan military officers, including 10 officers under the Sri Lanka’s Force Protection Unit (SLFPU) are engaged in close protection duties of the UNIFIL Headquarters in Lebanon, operating from their own Sri Base Camp in Naqoura.
Lieutenant Colonel G.P Kodituwakku, Contingent Commander, SLFPU received the visiting UNIFIL Chief, Major General Luciano Portolano on arrival at the Sri Base Camp entrance. In accordance with military formalities, he was greeted to a Guard Turnout as a gesture of welcome and honour.
Major General Luciano Portolano, addressed the SLFPU troops at the Sri Base premises and commended them for their excellent duties as well as the commitment and the dedication.
The formal visit was made memorable when the visiting Force Commander, together with all members of the UNIFIL contingent, sat for a group photo, seconds after his address to the Sri Lankan contingent. This is the 9th SLFPU serving the UNIFIL in Lebanon.
The Gaza war started on October 7, 2023, following the Hamas attack on a southern Israeli border town. Some 1200 people died, while Hamas took 250 Israelis as hostages.
History often has a way of repeating itself, sometimes by shaping similar personalities that seem destined to converge
On his second death anniversary, we pay our deepest respect and heartfelt tribute to General Lionel Balagalle, an illustrious son of Sri Lanka, a noble soldier, and an exemplary leader whose vision, dedication, and humility have left an indelible mark on the Sri Lanka Army and our nation.
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