UN Peace-keeping - Hope talks will sort out matters: Army Commander

Army Commander Shavendra Silva today expressed confidence that discussions with regard to the United Nation Peace Keeping matter would end on a positive note.

He said this after participating at the "flag blessing" ceremony held at the Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi to mark the 70th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army.

The army commander said the usual practice is for the UN to engage foreign forces in peacekeeping duties for a specified period.

"Soldiers from different countries are deployed for this purpose and redeployed when necessary. We experienced a similar situation in Haiti where the UN gradually reduced the number of Sri Lankan soldiers and finally no one was retained," he said.

Referring to the spate of trade union action he also said the army was prepared to provide necessary services if a government demands only for a short period as there are special workers employed in different services. (Romesh Madusahanka)