SLAF earns $130Mn through Peacekeeping missions

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

Another contingent of the aviation unit, consisting of 20 officers and 88 airmen of the Sri Lanka Air Force, is scheduled to depart for the Central African Republic in the first week of December for peacekeeping mission.  

Sri Lanka Air Force has contributed approximately 130 million US dollars to the national Treasury through its involvement in peacekeeping operations since 2014. 

The Passing Out Parade of the No. 10 Contingent of the Aviation Unit assigned to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) took place at SLAF Base Katunayake. The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, took the salute as the parade was led by Group Captain Uditha De Silva, the Contingent Commander of the 10th contingent.  

During the address to the parade, the Commander said that the United Nations Headquarters has praised the Sri Lanka Air Force contingents stationed in the Central African Republic for their bravery, professionalism and dedication to duty.  

He emphasised that this accomplishment reflects the trust and confidence placed in the military forces of Sri Lanka by the international community, enhancing the nation’s standing on the global stage. 

This mission is also anticipated to bring significant economic benefits to the country.