Sri Lanka's UN delegation meets with Under Secretary-General of UNDPO Jean-Pierre Lacroix

COLOMBO (News 1st):- Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha who is presently leading the Sri Lanka delegation to the 74th UN General Assembly Session met with the Under Secretary-General of UNDPO Jean-Pierre Lacroix to discuss obstacles placed on Sri Lanka’s Peacekeeping contribution to the UN. Ministry of Foreign Affairs said upon the Foreign Secretary seeking clarification on the statement made on 25 September 2019 by the Deputy Spokesman of the UN Secretary-General relating to Sri Lankan troops deployed for UN Peacekeeping, the Under Secretary-General stated that only 25% of the troops from Sri Lanka presently engaged in peacekeeping operations will be replaced, when they complete their term in Lebanon. He added that these places would be filled through a re-adjustment of existing peacekeepers presently in Lebanon. Under Secretary-General Lacroix confirmed that there will be no further reduction of Sri Lanka Peacekeepers. In the communications on the part of the Government of Sri Lanka with the UNDPO it has been pointed out that the appointment of Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva as the Army Commander has no link to the suitability and engagement of the Army personnel being nominated for UN Peacekeeping operations who are thoroughly, jointly vetted, and therefore it is unacceptable to penalize these troops through punitive action on them personally.