SL Security Forces will increase role in UN Peace-Keeping: Ruwan

The Sri Lankan security forces which are expected to increase its role in the UN Peace-keeping Mission is to be deployed in the Mali Islands shortly, State Minister for Defense, Ruwan Wijewardene said on Sunday.

Sources close to Mr Wijewardene said he had requested the UN Peacekeeping Defense Ministerial Committee for assistance to purchase modern equipment for this exercise. The committee is said to have responded positively to his request.

“Sri Lankan security forces are ready to play its role in Mali,” the state minister had told the UN Peacekeeping Defense Ministerial Committee sessions currently being held in London.“Sri Lankan forces have received a golden opportunity to use its skills."

The sessions have focused on the issues which the peacekeeping force faces in its activities, devising plans for peacekeeping activities and defeating terrorism. (Yohan Perera)