Ceremonial parade held for peacekeepers departing for Lebanon

The 17th Force Protection Company held its official ceremonial parade today (04) at the Gemunu Watch Regimental Centre in Kuruwita, marking their upcoming deployment for United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping duties.

Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo accepted the salute during the parade.

This 17th contingent consists of 112 members, including 9 officers and 103 other ranks representing various corps and regiments of the Sri Lanka Army.

Addressing the parade, the Army Commander emphasised that all personnel must strictly adhere to the rules and regulations of the United Nations while performing their duties in Lebanon.

He further noted that such international peacekeeping operations bring significant global recognition and prestige not only to the Sri Lanka Army but to the entire nation.

Senior officers, other ranks, and a large number of family members of the departing soldiers attended the event at the Kuruwita parade ground to mark the occasion.