SRI LANKA AVIATION CONTINGENT AT MINUSCA COMMENDED FOR THE ACT OF BRAVERY
5:06pm on Wednesday 20th July 2022
On 17 June 2022, a heavily armed rebel group called CPC (Coalition of Patriots for Change) made a surprise attack against a position held by a company of the Armed Forces of the Central African Republic in OUANDA-DJALLE, more than 800 km northeast of Bangui which they overrun after a fierce firefight. They then literally forced the civilian population to leave and hide in the bush.
In line with MINUSCA Mandate and Force Commander's guidance in close coordination with Sector East Headquarter planned and mounted a very successful assault which drove the assailant out of town. After recovering from the surprise effect, the armed elements regrouped in the vicinity of OUANDA-DJALLE to launch a counterattack. Requested to provide support to the ground troops from Sri Lanka Aviation Contingent deployed with two armed helicopters and engaged the armed rebel elements. This decisive action dispersed the assailants and drove them far enough to allow the civilian population to regain confidence and return to their houses.
During the encounter, Sri Lanka Aviation crew members displayed dash, daring and unusual gallantry which ultimately decided the outcome of the battle. Apparently, it was in a high-risk situation where it was made possible by competent and committed SLAF crew members under the leadership of the acting Contingent Commander, Wing Commander Rasanga Wijewardena. This act of bravery was highly commended by the United Nations Force Commander Lieutenant General Daniel Sidiki Traore and issued with a commendation letter.
Significantly, SLAF has remitted more than 100 million USD to the national treasury to date from its troop's deployments in UN duties and this action would be immensely contributed to earn high recognition for such deployments in future.
In line with MINUSCA Mandate and Force Commander's guidance in close coordination with Sector East Headquarter planned and mounted a very successful assault which drove the assailant out of town. After recovering from the surprise effect, the armed elements regrouped in the vicinity of OUANDA-DJALLE to launch a counterattack. Requested to provide support to the ground troops from Sri Lanka Aviation Contingent deployed with two armed helicopters and engaged the armed rebel elements. This decisive action dispersed the assailants and drove them far enough to allow the civilian population to regain confidence and return to their houses.
During the encounter, Sri Lanka Aviation crew members displayed dash, daring and unusual gallantry which ultimately decided the outcome of the battle. Apparently, it was in a high-risk situation where it was made possible by competent and committed SLAF crew members under the leadership of the acting Contingent Commander, Wing Commander Rasanga Wijewardena. This act of bravery was highly commended by the United Nations Force Commander Lieutenant General Daniel Sidiki Traore and issued with a commendation letter.
Significantly, SLAF has remitted more than 100 million USD to the national treasury to date from its troop's deployments in UN duties and this action would be immensely contributed to earn high recognition for such deployments in future.
