209 Sri Lanka Police and Police Special Task Force Personnel to Deploy for UN Peacekeeping Operations

A total of 209 personnel from the Sri Lanka Police and the Police Special Task Force (STF) are scheduled to depart shortly to participate in United Nations peacekeeping operations. The contingent comprises 19 Sri Lanka Police officers and 190 STF personnel.

A special ceremony for these officers, together with 900 Sri Lanka Army personnel also preparing for UN peacekeeping duties including 43 Army personnel who have received specialised training in landmine and booby-trap clearance, was held on the morning of 26.06.2026 at the Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regimental Centre, Panagoda, under the patronage of Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Addressing the gathering, the President stated that this represents the largest deployment of Sri Lankan security personnel for UN peacekeeping operations at a single time. He extended his sincere congratulations to all those selected for the mission, describing the deployment as a significant honour for both the personnel and the nation.

The President further noted that dedicated and professional officers such as those participating in the mission bring great pride and distinction to Sri Lanka. He remarked that while becoming the wealthiest nation in the world may be a challenge, meaningful humanitarian contributions such as UN peacekeeping missions can earn the country international respect and recognition.

The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (Retd.) Mr. Aruna Jayasekara; Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Mr. Sampath Thuiyakontha; Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Mr. Lasantha Rodrigo; Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Mr. Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe; Commander of the Navy, Rear Admiral Mr. Kanchana Banagoda; Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya; Commandant of the Police Special Task Force, Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr. D.G. Samantha de Silva; as well as several senior local and international officials.