Lanka Air Force to deploy troops for UN peace keeping in Haiti

Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) will send a contingent of its troops to the United Nations peace keeping mission in Haiti.

The tenth contingent of SLAF troops scheduled to be deployed in Haiti completed their training at the United Nations Peace Keeping Operations (UNPKO) Training Center of Sri Lanka Army in Kukuleganga on the 11th of May 2010, the Air Force announced.

The SLAF troops skilled in several disciplines will be deployed with the Army and Navy personnel under the UN banner.

The airmen have been given training in traffic control operations, civil disorder management, disarmament/ demobilization and reintegration/ cordon and search operations, convoy operations/ patrolling and improvised explosive device detection and defusing.

In addition they have been given instructions on United Nations mandate, the rules of engagement, present situation in Haiti, cultural differences, International Humanitarian Law and Human Resources Management, HIV/AIDS, Sexual Exploitation, UN Log system, UN provost duties, experienced in Haiti, Creole language and stress management, the SLAF said.

The contingent commanded by Squadron Leader ADR Liyanarachchi will comprise Squadron Leader RND Senadeera and 48 airmen of other ranks.

Recently Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed to increase the Sri Lanka UN Peace Keeping Force personnel from 950 per term to 5,000.

A UN Peace Keeping Force term is usually a six month period. Currently the Sri Lankan peace keeping unit is in Haiti in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).