SRI LANKA AVIATION UNIT MARKS 81 UNITED NATIONS DAY CELEBRATION WITH SPORT ACTIVITIES, CULTURAL PARTICIPATION AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
The Sri Lanka Aviation Unit, deployed under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), actively participated in the celebrations marking the 81 Anniversary of the United Nations on 26 October 2026. The contingent joined fellow peacekeepers and international personnel in a series of sport events, cultural performances, and Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities to commemorate the 81 United Nations Day. The celebration aimed to promote peace, strengthen cooperation among peacekeepers, and support the protection of civilians through unity and generosity. By bringing together personnel from different contingents on one platform, the event provided an opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity, encourage sportsmanship, and strengthen bonds of friendship and mutual understanding among contingents. These activities added colour, vibrancy, and enthusiasm to the 81st UN Day celebration.
A significant achievement was recorded by the Sri Lankan contingent during the UN Inter-Agency Badminton Tournament held at Bangui. Group Captain Kasun Senevirathna and Warrant Officer IGPC Premathilake played the men's doubles event and proudly secured the championship title, competing against personnel from various agencies across the MINUSCA mission. In the final match they securing 2–0 victory and demonstrated exceptional teamwork, determination, discipline, and true sportsmanship. This remarkable achievement stands as a historic sporting accomplishment, bringing immense pride and honour to SRI AVN and the Sri Lanka Air Force while proudly raising the national flag of Sri Lanka in the international stage.
In addition, a series of sector-level sport events were organized as part of the anniversary celebrations, including volleyball matches and athletic competitions among the personnel representing in the North-East Sector. These events provided an excellent platform to promote physical fitness, teamwork, unity, and camaraderie while fostering a spirit of healthy competition among the participating contingents.
Beyond the sport activities, the anniversary celebrations extended to meaningful community support initiatives through Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities. SRI AVN personnel, together with other contingents deployed in the North-East Sector, actively participated in a drinking water distribution programme for displaced communities in a small village located approximately 5 km away from Bria city. This humanitarian initiative directly addressed the critical shortage of availability of safe drinking water, faced by the local community. Through this commendable effort, the anniversary celebration became more than a commemoration of achievements; it served as a meaningful demonstration of solidarity, humanity, and service to those in need, further strengthening the bond between peacekeeping forces and the local population.
Finally, the anniversary celebrations culminated on 26 October 26 with a comprehensive discussion on the MINUSCA mandate with civil authorities, representatives of government institutions, and members of the local population across the North-East Sector. This engagement provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen mutual understanding, enhance cooperation, and reinforce the importance of collaboration between peacekeeping personnel and local stakeholders.
During the event, SRI AVN personnel were also privileged to showcase their rich cultural heritage through a special cultural performance. This memorable occasion provided a valuable platform to promote Sri Lankan cultural identity while strengthening friendship, mutual understanding, and cultural ties between SRI AVN personnel, UN colleagues, and the local community.
Furthermore, the event provided an excellent opportunity for each participating contingent to present their traditional cuisine to the local population, by preparing and serving from their respective countries. Representing Sri Lanka, Sri Avn personnel presented Sri Lankan-style noodles accompanied by traditional Kiri Kos (jackfruit curry) and a flavourful prawn curry. This culinary presentation given the opportunity to participants to have a unique experience and explore rich flavours and diversity of Sri Lankan cuisine. The initiative also promoted cultural exchange, friendship, and mutual understanding among the participating contingents, UN authorities and the local population, adding a special touch to the anniversary celebrations.
A significant achievement was recorded by the Sri Lankan contingent during the UN Inter-Agency Badminton Tournament held at Bangui. Group Captain Kasun Senevirathna and Warrant Officer IGPC Premathilake played the men's doubles event and proudly secured the championship title, competing against personnel from various agencies across the MINUSCA mission. In the final match they securing 2–0 victory and demonstrated exceptional teamwork, determination, discipline, and true sportsmanship. This remarkable achievement stands as a historic sporting accomplishment, bringing immense pride and honour to SRI AVN and the Sri Lanka Air Force while proudly raising the national flag of Sri Lanka in the international stage.
In addition, a series of sector-level sport events were organized as part of the anniversary celebrations, including volleyball matches and athletic competitions among the personnel representing in the North-East Sector. These events provided an excellent platform to promote physical fitness, teamwork, unity, and camaraderie while fostering a spirit of healthy competition among the participating contingents.
Beyond the sport activities, the anniversary celebrations extended to meaningful community support initiatives through Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities. SRI AVN personnel, together with other contingents deployed in the North-East Sector, actively participated in a drinking water distribution programme for displaced communities in a small village located approximately 5 km away from Bria city. This humanitarian initiative directly addressed the critical shortage of availability of safe drinking water, faced by the local community. Through this commendable effort, the anniversary celebration became more than a commemoration of achievements; it served as a meaningful demonstration of solidarity, humanity, and service to those in need, further strengthening the bond between peacekeeping forces and the local population.
Finally, the anniversary celebrations culminated on 26 October 26 with a comprehensive discussion on the MINUSCA mandate with civil authorities, representatives of government institutions, and members of the local population across the North-East Sector. This engagement provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen mutual understanding, enhance cooperation, and reinforce the importance of collaboration between peacekeeping personnel and local stakeholders.
During the event, SRI AVN personnel were also privileged to showcase their rich cultural heritage through a special cultural performance. This memorable occasion provided a valuable platform to promote Sri Lankan cultural identity while strengthening friendship, mutual understanding, and cultural ties between SRI AVN personnel, UN colleagues, and the local community.
Furthermore, the event provided an excellent opportunity for each participating contingent to present their traditional cuisine to the local population, by preparing and serving from their respective countries. Representing Sri Lanka, Sri Avn personnel presented Sri Lankan-style noodles accompanied by traditional Kiri Kos (jackfruit curry) and a flavourful prawn curry. This culinary presentation given the opportunity to participants to have a unique experience and explore rich flavours and diversity of Sri Lankan cuisine. The initiative also promoted cultural exchange, friendship, and mutual understanding among the participating contingents, UN authorities and the local population, adding a special touch to the anniversary celebrations.
