Delay in bringing down fallen peacekeepers remains

Colombo (News1st): Reports state that the return of the remains of the two Sri Lankan Peacekeepers who died in Mali will be delayed by a few days. Military Spokesperson Brigadier Sumith Atapattu said a delay had occurred when booking an airplane to bring down the remains. The remains were initially due to arrive this afternoon. Military funerals for both fallen UN Peacekeepers will take place at their respective residential areas in Polonnaruwa and Polpithigama. The two peacekeepers died when their WMZ convoy was attacked by an Improvised Explosive Device. Captain H.W.D Jayawickrama and Corporal S.S Wijekumara 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.