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“Attacks Targeting UN Peacekeepers May Constitute War Crimes Under International Law”, Says UN Secretary General Condemning Attack on Sri Lankan Peacekeepers
UN Secretary General, António Guterres in another statement says the Mali attack on Sri Lankan UN Peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. Here follows the full statement;
UN Security Council Strongly Condemns Attack on Sri Lankan Peacekeepers & Urges Mali Authorities to Bring Perpetrators to Justice
The UN Security Council in a strong-worded condemnation of the brutal attack on the Sri Lankan Peacekeepers’ contingent while their convoy was proceeding in the general area of Douentza early Friday (25) morning calls upon the Government of Mali to bring perpetrators to justice at the earliest. Here follows the full statement issued by the UN Security Council;
Australia provides three Port Class Stabicraft to Sri Lanka Coast Guard
The State Minister of Defence Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene graced the handing over ceremony of three Australian gifted Stabicraft vessels to Sri Lanka at SLNS Rangalla in the Colombo harbour, on Friday (25 January 2019).
UPDATE: Two Sri Lankan UN Peacekeepers in Mali Dead & Three Injured
Captain H.W.D Jayawickrama of 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry from Polonnaruwa and Corporal S.S Wijekumara of 1 Mechanized Infantry Regiment from Thalakolawewa, Polpithigama of the Sri Lankan Army Contingent in Mali laid down their lives this morning (25) following an explosion while performing their UN Peacekeeping Mission duties around 6.30 a.m. in Keerana area after their WMZ convoy was attacked by a rebel group using an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
IED ATTACK ON SRI LANKAN ARMY CONTINGENT IN MALI KILLS TWO & INJURES FEW MORE PEACEKEEPERS
An armoured vehicle, WMZ carrying Sri Lankan Peacekeeping troops on patrol in the general area of Douentza in West Africa's trouble-torn Mali, came under a remote-controlled Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack around 6.30 a.m. early this morning (25) in local Mali time.
Japanese Ambassador meets State Minister
The Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Akira Sugiyama met the State Minister of Defence, Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene at the Ministry, today (25 January).
Another land release in Wanni
Another segment of Army used land has been released in Wanni. According to Army media, documents relating to 54.38 acres of state and private land used by Army was formally handed over to the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, Dr. Suren Ragavan at his office in Jaffna on Wednesday (22 January).
Secretary felicitated at his Alma Mater
The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Hemasiri Fernando was accorded a grand felicitation by the Old Boys' Association of Nalanda College, Colombo on Monday (21 January).
Issuing of firearm license - 2019
The Ministry of Defence is conducting a three day programme to carry out a census and verification of firearms provided solely for sports purposes to the National Rifle Association (NRA) and National Sport Shooting Federation (NSSF) and to issue licenses for the year 2019. The programme is being held at the Ministry from 22-24 (January).
Educational assistance to Northern students
A large stock of school requirements was distributed among the flood affected students in the North, recently.
More land released in the East
Another land release in the Eastern region was made during a ceremony held at the Divisional Secretariat in Ampara on Friday (18 January).
Police Department will be transformed as a profession of intellectuals - President
President Maithripala Sirisena says necessary future steps will be taken by him as the Minister-in-Charge to make the Police Department a profession which is filled with intellectuals.
'The Earth Watchman' program launched by President in Kilinochchi
The Earth Watchmen project of planting 2 million trees island-wide parallel to the 2019 Cricket World Cup was launched by President Maithripala Sirisena this morning (21st) at the Agriculture Technology Institute, Kilinochchi.
More than 1200 acres released in the North
A total of 1201.88 acres of state and private land used by Army in Mullaittivu, Kilinochchi, Jaffna and Wanni districts, including Udayarkattu, and three other Army farms were released on Monday (21 January).
First Sri Lankan women graduate from Army School of Ceremonial in UK
Two female personnel of the Sri Lanka Air Force, an Officer and an Airwoman have graduated from the Army School of Ceremonial in Catterick, in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
Army commences production of own MRE packs
The Sri Lanka Army in collaboration with the Research Analysis Projection & Development Branch of the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka has commenced the production of the 'Meal Ready to Eat' (MRE) ration packs at the Kandakadu Army farm in Welikanda. According to Army media, the ceremonial production operation commenced at Welkanda facility on Friday (18 January 2019).
Northern troops join 'Pongal' celebrations
Sri Lanka Army troops in the Northern region joined in to celebrate the 'Thai Pongal' festival with the local communities carrying out a range of welfare programmes
Presidents of Sri Lanka and the Philippines held discussions
The two heads of state have focused on establishing an economic council to revive economic and trade relations between Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
British High Commissioner meets Secretary
High Commissioner of the British High Commission in Sri Lanka, HE Mr. James Dauris paid a courtesy call on the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Mr. Hemasiri Fernando, on Wednesday (16 January).
1201.88 More Acres of State & Private Land in North Ready for Release
Sri Lanka Army, continuing to honour the pledge it has given to the Presidential Task Force is set to release 1201.88 more acres of Army-used state and private lands in the North with no impact for national security during ceremonies in Mullaittivu and the North on Monday (21), presided by HE the President Maithripala Sirisena.
British High Commissioner meets State Minister
High Commissioner of the British High Commission in Sri Lanka, HE Mr. James Dauris made a call on the State Minister of Defence Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene at the Ministry, today (16 Wednesday, January).
Japanese ship arrives to the island
Making a Three-day goodwill visit, the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force ship (JMSDF) JS 'Ikazuchi' arrived in the country on Tuesday (15th January). The Japanese ship 'Ikazuchi' was accorded a traditional welcome by the Sri Lanka Navy upon its arrival at the Hambantota Port
Bangladeshi Defence Attaché calls on Secretary
The Defence Attaché of the High Commission of Bangladesh, Commodore Syed Maksumul Hakim made a call on the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Mr. Hemasiri Fernando at the Ministry, on Monday (14 January, 2019).
Educational incentives for children of Army families
The Sri Lanka Army presented 701 children of its personnel with educational assistance including scholarships, medals, laptops etc. worth Rs. 14.2 million during a ceremony held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) on Friday (11 January).
New house for deserving family
A new house built by Army troops in Kilinochchi was presented to a destitute family Manikkapuram.