A high-level UN Assessment and Advisory Team currently in Sri Lanka, expected to ensure the quality and standards of all technical Combat Convoy Equipment (CCE) and evaluate the Operational Readiness Preparations of the additional 'Combat Convoy Company B-1’ (CCC) contingent, designed for deployment shortly in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) called on Army Commander Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage on Tuesday (21) at the Army HQ in Sri Jayawardenepura.
The UN delegation comprised James Victor De Rcole, Colonel Lawrence Kapina, Lt. Col. Rajeev, Mark Flood and Satvinder Singh Paul.
They are scheduled to inspect self-sustenance equipment, combat vehicles and accessories, de-mining devices, Explosive Ordnance Devices, logistic and medical equipment, military hardware and witness mock demonstrations during their visits (March 20-25) to the 1 Sri Lanka Army Ordnance Corps, Engineer Division, School of Military Engineering at Embilipitiya, Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical Engineers' Base Workshop at Udawalawe and the Institute of Peacekeeping Support Operations Training Sri Lanka.
This process, technically defined as the Pre-Deployment Visit (PDV) was earlier too adhered to by the Army before such UN Peacekeeping Missions were dispatched.
The aim of this PDV is to inspect the materials and equipment of the contingent and verify its conditions to meet the mission's Force Requirement as stipulated in the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (UNDPKO).
The proposed additional 'Combat Convoy Company B-1’ is composed of 20 officers and 223 Other Ranks and expects to bring back US$ 9 million annually to the country's national economy. At present, 20 Officers and 223 Other Ranks of the 4th Combat Convoy Company (CCC) are serving the MINUSMA.
The UN request for an additional Sri Lankan combat contingent for Mali distinctively mirrors a clear re-endorsement of its trust and recognition of professional standards of the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka and also serves as an appreciative gesture for the CCC currently deployed in Mali.
During the cordial interactions at the Commander's office, the Army Chief briefed UN delegates on the readiness of the Sri Lanka Army's preparations for the passage of this additional 'Combat Convoy Company B-1' to the MINUSMA at short notice.
Towards the conclusion of the interactions at the Army HQ, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army awarded special mementos to the visiting UN representatives as tokens of appreciation.
During their visits to aforesaid Sri Lanka Army formations, those visiting UN delegates before their departure on March 25, 2023 would receive glimpses of detailed accounts of equipment, other accessories and their operability from respective Officers, earmarked to leave for Mali.
With a focus on long-term stability and peace, United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations are deployed in fast-changing, unpredictable, and highly demanding environments, such as the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali and South Sudan with a prioritized mandate for Protection of Civilians (PoC).
Performing their duties with outstanding dedication and committed professionalism as the only contingent conducting convoy operations to MINUSMA bases, located in Kidal, Aguelhok and Tessalit regions, the Sri Lankan CCC is engaged in providing security for logistic convoys under trying circumstances despite life-threatening risks, adverse weather conditions and inhospitable terrains.
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