SRI AVIATION UNIT IN MINUSCA BRINGS TALENTS TO THE SPOTLIGHT IN “TUSKERS TALENT SHOW”
The Sri Aviation Unit, deployed under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), successfully organised the “Tuskers Talent Show” on 16 October 2026. The event provided a vibrant platform for service personnel serving in the mission to showcase their hidden talents, foster camaraderie and break the monotony of operational commitments.
The initiative was conceptualised by the Contingent Commander, Group Captain Asiri Pathirage, and brought to reality through the dedicated efforts of Group Captain Tharanga Mallawaarachchi, who served as the Chief Organiser.
Through his commitment, planning and coordination, the concept was transformed into a successful event that provided personnel with a valuable opportunity to demonstrate their abilities beyond their routine professional responsibilities.
The programme commenced with preliminary rounds conducted over approximately one and a half months, culminating in an exciting grand finale attended by invited guests from Sector North-East Headquarters and neighbouring contingents.
The grand finale was graced by Brigadier General Joseph Douglas Mokwena, Sector Commander of Sector North-East Headquarters, as the Chief Guest. The Sector Commander commended the event for its well-structured programme and professional organisation, recognising the dedication, creativity and collective efforts of the Sri Aviation Unit in delivering a successful and engaging event. The show brought together talented service personnel from across the mission, competing in four main categories: dancing, singing, musical instrument performance and culinary arts. A total of 40 contestants participated, demonstrating their diverse abilities and enthusiasm beyond their professional duties.
To ensure fairness, transparency and impartiality, all final decisions regarding the competition winners were made by an independent panel of judges comprising representatives from Sector North-East Headquarters.
Award winners
Title of Best Culinary Artist - 44172 Sergeant Rajapaksha HMS
Title of Best Dancer - 49569 Corporal Eksith RAR
Title of Best Musical Instrument Player - Wing Commander Ruwan Goonawardhana
First place in singing - Flight Lieutenant Nipun Perera and 44684 Sergeant Dananandana HATJ
Trophy for Most Popular Contingent Member - 44871 Corporal Madushanka MAS
The successful conduct of the programme reflected the Sri Aviation Unit’s commitment to the welfare and holistic development of its personnel, recognising that professional excellence is complemented by creativity, personal growth and cultural expression. The event also highlighted the importance of effective leadership, dedicated organisation and teamwork in transforming an idea into a memorable experience. The Tuskers Talent Show concluded as a celebration of the diverse talents, resourcefulness and collective spirit of Sri Lankan peacekeepers serving under the United Nations flag in the Central African Republic.
The initiative was conceptualised by the Contingent Commander, Group Captain Asiri Pathirage, and brought to reality through the dedicated efforts of Group Captain Tharanga Mallawaarachchi, who served as the Chief Organiser.
Through his commitment, planning and coordination, the concept was transformed into a successful event that provided personnel with a valuable opportunity to demonstrate their abilities beyond their routine professional responsibilities.
The programme commenced with preliminary rounds conducted over approximately one and a half months, culminating in an exciting grand finale attended by invited guests from Sector North-East Headquarters and neighbouring contingents.
The grand finale was graced by Brigadier General Joseph Douglas Mokwena, Sector Commander of Sector North-East Headquarters, as the Chief Guest. The Sector Commander commended the event for its well-structured programme and professional organisation, recognising the dedication, creativity and collective efforts of the Sri Aviation Unit in delivering a successful and engaging event. The show brought together talented service personnel from across the mission, competing in four main categories: dancing, singing, musical instrument performance and culinary arts. A total of 40 contestants participated, demonstrating their diverse abilities and enthusiasm beyond their professional duties.
To ensure fairness, transparency and impartiality, all final decisions regarding the competition winners were made by an independent panel of judges comprising representatives from Sector North-East Headquarters.
Award winners
Title of Best Culinary Artist - 44172 Sergeant Rajapaksha HMS
Title of Best Dancer - 49569 Corporal Eksith RAR
Title of Best Musical Instrument Player - Wing Commander Ruwan Goonawardhana
First place in singing - Flight Lieutenant Nipun Perera and 44684 Sergeant Dananandana HATJ
Trophy for Most Popular Contingent Member - 44871 Corporal Madushanka MAS
The successful conduct of the programme reflected the Sri Aviation Unit’s commitment to the welfare and holistic development of its personnel, recognising that professional excellence is complemented by creativity, personal growth and cultural expression. The event also highlighted the importance of effective leadership, dedicated organisation and teamwork in transforming an idea into a memorable experience. The Tuskers Talent Show concluded as a celebration of the diverse talents, resourcefulness and collective spirit of Sri Lankan peacekeepers serving under the United Nations flag in the Central African Republic.
