SL soldier dies while serving in UN Peacekeeping mission in Mali

• The remains of Deshapriya, a father of two children, resident in  Medawachchiya is to be brought to Sri Lanka for final funeral  arrangements

A soldier attached to the Sri Lanka Army Service Corps who was part of the Peacekeeping troops of the UN Multi-dimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has died while engaging in duties in Mali.

Army said 42-year-old Lance Corporal M.G.L. Deshapriya had passed away on February 11, 2023, following a sudden cardiac arrest upon admission to the MINUSMA Bamako Level - 3 Hospital.  Accordingly, peacekeeping troops of the United Nations Multi-dimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali presented a military salute and bade farewell to the late military man recently.  

In conformity with UN traditions, MINUSMA troops presented a salute lowering flags and honoured their comrade during the formal military parade before floral tributes were made to the coffin, draped in the UN flag by Daniela Kroslak, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for United Nations MINUSMA and Deputy Chief of MINUSMA Operations in the presence of a gathering of officers and other ranks, including the Commanding Officer of the Sri Lankan Combat Convoy Company (CCC) of the MINUSMA.