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Home News News MINUSTAH salutes the work of 300 Sri Lankan soldiers
MINUSTAH salutes the work of 300 Sri Lankan soldiers PDF Print E-mail
Thursday, 27 March 2008 00:00
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Leogane, Haiti -- Under the banner of the United Nations, Sri Lankan peacekeepers are working for a more stable security environment in Haiti. Motorized and foot patrols, as well as traffic control points are among other daily activities carried out by these soldiers serving in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). On Thursday, March 27, they received the United Nations peacekeeping medal in recognition of their contribution to peace in Haiti.

The medal ceremony was held at the Sri Lankan contingent’s headquarters in Leogane. The Principal Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Luiz Carlos da Costa, the Deputy Force Commander, Neris Mauro Corbo, heads of contingents, local authorities, and many guests took part in the celebration, alongside the 300 recipients.

"Once again, the people of Sri Lanka have demonstrated their faith in the ideals of United Nations peacekeepers. Your work and spirit of sacrifice have been able to open the window of hope for Haiti," said Luiz da Costa, making it a fitting tribute to peacekeepers from Sri Lanka for their work in the Mission.

Meanwhile, the commander of the Sri Lankan contingent, Laksiri Waduge, thanked the Haitian people "for its cooperation and hospitality," while he congratulated his troops for their "professionalism".

The blue helmets that Sri Lanka contributes, a total of 991 in MINUSTAH, through the various tasks assigned to them, help in maintaining a stable and secure environment in Haiti. Arriving in Haiti in December 2007, members of the 7th rotation of the Sri Lankan contingent are deployed in different areas of the country, including Leogane, Petit Goave, Bizoton in the department of the West and Jacmel in the department of South-East.

In cooperation with the Haitian National Police (HNP), the United Nations Police (UNPol) and the Formed Police Unit (FPU), they conduct joint patrols in their areas of responsibility. The Sri Lankans also carry out foot and motorized patrols, and establish check points.

In addition, this contingent is working on a special programme of the Section of the Community Violence (VRC) of MINUSTAH. Indeed, it contributes to the achievement of several of its activities and ensures security.

In addition to these military activities, the Sri Lankan contingent is distinguished by its humanitarian actions in the service of the population, conducting free medical consultations, distribution of water and food aid or cleaning streets.



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Media Contacts:

Mamadou Bah,

Spokesperson for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)
Telephone: (509) 244 20 50 – ext : 6059
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Or consult the Mission’s website at
http://www.minustah.org