Sri Lanka Air Force sends another contingent for UN Peacekeeping Mission

SLAF earns $130Mn through Peacekeeping missions

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

Following the successful completion of a one-year tenure in the Central African Republic, a new contingent from the Sri Lanka Air Force has departed to take over duties with the UN Peacekeeping Mission in the region.   
The 10th contingent, comprising 20 officers and 88 airmen, is led by Group Captain Uditha De Silva. The team includes various professionals necessary for the operational requirements of the mission.   
Meanwhile, the 9th Aviation Contingent, which included 92 personnel, has returned to Sri Lanka after completing its peacekeeping duties. Deployed on December 4, 2023, the contingent made valuable contributions to humanitarian and peacekeeping operations during its year-long stay in the Central African Republic.   
Throughout their tenure, the 9th Contingent flew over 1,200 hours, generating significant revenue for the country through troop salaries and the rental of contingent-owned equipment.   
Sri Lanka Air Force has contributed approximately 130 million US dollars to the national Treasury through its involvement in peacekeeping operations since 2014.