Fallen UN Peacekeepers promoted

Colombo (News1st): Captain H.W.D Jayawickrama and Corporal S.S Wijekumara who laid their lives while serving in UN Peacekeeping operations in Mali were posthumously promoted to the ranks of Major and Sergeant respectively on the recommendation of the Ministry of Defence and the Commander of the Army. The remains of these peacekeepers are expected to reach the Bandaranaike International Airport on Saturday (Feb 2) at 3.10 PM. The UN flag-draped coffins will be handed over to the Sri Lankan officials by the MINUSMA Force Commander, Lieutenant General Dennis Gyllisporre and three other members of his office . Military funerals for both fallen UN Peacekeepers would take place at their respective residential areas in Polonnaruwa and Polpithigama. The UN Peacekeepers died on the 25th when an armored vehicle (WMZ) that was carrying Sri Lankan Peacekeeping troops on patrol in the general area of Douentza in Mali, was caught in a remote-controlled high explosive device attack.