11TH SRI LANKA AVIATION CONTINGENT IN MINUSCA CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPERS’ DAY
The 11th Contingent of Sri Aviation serving under MINUSCA in the Central African Republic celebrated International Peacekeepers’ Day “Blue Helmet Day” on 29 May 2026 with a series of events conducted within the mission area.
As part of the commemorative activities, Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) programmes and sports activities were organized with the participation of contingents serving under the North East Sector. Volleyball and football tournaments were conducted, providing opportunities for interaction and engagement among personnel from different contingents.
CIMIC activities were also conducted on 28 May 2026 with a focus on supporting the well-being of children in the local community. During the programme, the 11th Contingent distributed educational materials, toys, and sports items to students of ID Jama School in Bria. The initiative formed part of community engagement activities carried out by the contingent in the area.
The commemorative events concluded on 29 May 2026 with a ceremonial parade held at the North East Sector Headquarters, followed by a prize-giving ceremony for the sports events conducted under the programme. The parade included participation from multiple contingents deployed within the sector. The Sri Aviation 11th Contingent participated with a separate flight under the leadership of Squadron Leader Duminda Hewage.
Personnel from the 11th Contingent, including the Contingent Commander, Group Captain Asiri Pathirage, attended the parade and prize-giving ceremony. The events provided an opportunity for personnel from different contingents to mark International Peacekeepers’ Day and engage in joint commemorative activities within the mission area.
As part of the commemorative activities, Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) programmes and sports activities were organized with the participation of contingents serving under the North East Sector. Volleyball and football tournaments were conducted, providing opportunities for interaction and engagement among personnel from different contingents.
CIMIC activities were also conducted on 28 May 2026 with a focus on supporting the well-being of children in the local community. During the programme, the 11th Contingent distributed educational materials, toys, and sports items to students of ID Jama School in Bria. The initiative formed part of community engagement activities carried out by the contingent in the area.
The commemorative events concluded on 29 May 2026 with a ceremonial parade held at the North East Sector Headquarters, followed by a prize-giving ceremony for the sports events conducted under the programme. The parade included participation from multiple contingents deployed within the sector. The Sri Aviation 11th Contingent participated with a separate flight under the leadership of Squadron Leader Duminda Hewage.
Personnel from the 11th Contingent, including the Contingent Commander, Group Captain Asiri Pathirage, attended the parade and prize-giving ceremony. The events provided an opportunity for personnel from different contingents to mark International Peacekeepers’ Day and engage in joint commemorative activities within the mission area.