UN PEACEKEEPERS’ REMAINS BROUGHT TO SL
The remains of the two Sri Lankan UN Peacekeepers, Major H.W.D Jayawickrama and Sergeant S.S Wijekumara, who were killed while serving in Mali, were brought to the Katunayake Airport last evening and handed over to their relatives following a postmortem examination, Army Spokesman Brig. Sumith Atapattu said.
State Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardane, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Mahesh Senanayake and Mali UN Force Commander Lt. Gen. Dennis Gyllensporre were at the Airport to receive the remains.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Wijewardane said the Sri Lankan officers had played a pivotal role in peacekeeping operations in Mali. “The UN have expressed their gratitude, and will be providing funds to the families of the deceased officers,” he said.
Army Commander Lt. Gen. Senanayake said the war heroes who had fought for freedom in their motherland and given their freedom towards the independence of the whole world. The soldier who suffered injuries was recovering, Lt. Gen. Senanayake said. He added that Lt. Gen. Gyllensporre’s presence at the airport was proof of the committed and bravery of the Sri Lankan forces.
The bodies which were scheduled to be brought on Saturday were hampered by flight delays, Army Spokesman Brig. Sumith Atapattu said.
The UN flag-draped coffins were formally delivered to Lt. Gen. Senanayake in a military parade, which was also attended by Maj. Gen. Devinda Perera, UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Ms. Hanaa Singer, Colonels of Regiments of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry and Mechanized Infantry Regiments, Senior officers and spouses and the relatives of the deceased soldiers. The remains were sent to the Negombo Hospital for a postmortem examination, the Army said.
Military funerals for both fallen UN Peacekeepers would take place at their respective home towns in Polonnaruwa and Polpithigama.