Sri Lankan troops in Haiti honoured

HAITI: Sri Lankan soldiers in Haiti have received the United Nations peacekeeping medal in recognition of their contribution to peace in Haiti, the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) said.

Under the banner of the United Nations, Sri Lankan peacekeepers are working for a more stable security environment in Haiti. Motorised and foot patrols, as well as traffic control points are among other daily activities carried out by these soldiers.

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 their 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 motorised patrols, and establish checkpoints. In addition, this contingent is working on a special programme of the Section of the Community Violence (VRC) of MINUSTAH.

It contributes to the achievement of several of its activities and ensures security. The Sri Lankan contingent is also distinguished by its humanitarian actions in the service of the population, conducting free medical consultations, distribution of water and food aid or cleaning streets.