SL aviation contingent at MINUSCA commended for recent act of bravery

Lieutenant General Daniel Sidiki Traoré, the Forces Commander of the Multi-dimensional Integrated UN Stabilization Mission in CAR (MINUSCA) has commended the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Aviation contingent at MINUSCA under the United Nations for the act of bravery during a recent mission.

On June 17, 2022, a heavily armed rebel group called CPC (Coalition of Patriots for Change) made a surprise attack against a position held by a company of the Armed Forces of the Central African Republic in OUANDA-DJALLE, more than 800 km northeast of Bangui which they overrun after a fierce firefight. They then literally forced the civilian population to leave and hide in the bush.

In line with MINUSCA Mandate and Force Commander's guidance in close coordination with Sector East Headquarters planned and mounted a very successful effect, the armed elements regrouped in the vicinity of OUANDA-DJALLE to launch a counterattack. Requested to provide support to the ground troops from Sri Lanka Aviation Contingent deployed with two armed helicopters and engaged the armed rebel elements. This decisive action dispersed the assailants and drove them far enough to allow the civilian population to regain confidence and return to their houses.

During the encounter, Sri Lanka Aviation crew members displayed dash, daring and unusual gallantry which ultimately decided the outcome of the battle. Apparently, it was in a high-risk situation where it was made possible by competent and committed SLAF crew members under the leadership of the acting Contingent Commander, Wing Commander Rasanga Wijewardena. This act of bravery was highly commended by the United Nations Force Commander Lt. Gen. Daniel Sidiki Traore and issued with a commendation letter.

Significantly, SLAF has remitted more than US$100 million to the national treasury to date from its troop's deployments in UN duties and this action would be immensely contributed to earn high recognition for such deployments in the future, the SLAF said.