The ninth contingent of the Sri Lanka Aviation Unit which is expected to replace the eighth currently under the United Nations Multidimensional Peacekeeping Mission in Central African Republic (MINUSCA) passed out on Monday (20) at the Sri Lanka Air Force Base at Katunayake.
The contingent, which will take over duties of flying three SLAF Mi-17 helicopters in CAR under UN colours, comprises 21 Officers and 89 Airmen, and is scheduled to proceed to the Central African Republic by the first week of December. The contingent is made up of volunteers, who have undergone vigorous training to carry out their duties under the UN peacekeeping mandate.
The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa took the salute of the parade which was commanded by Wing Commander Asanka Rathnayake, the Contingent Commander of the ninth Contingent.
The SLAF began deployment of aircraft for UN missions in 2014 and has received several commendations by the United Nations, the SLAF said.