Sri Lankan Ambassador Visits UNIFIL Headquarters and Peacekeeping Contingent

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Anura Withanage, visited United Nations peacekeeping headquarters and Sri Lankan personnel in Naqoura on 18 September, according to the Foreign Ministry.

The visit included a meeting with Major General Diodato Abagnara, head of mission and force commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL.

According to the ministry, discussions covered UNIFIL’s role in southern Lebanon and Sri Lanka’s contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations.

The ministry reported that Abagnara expressed appreciation for Sri Lankan personnel serving with the mission, including those assigned to protect its headquarters. Withanage reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to international peacekeeping.

Counsellor Sanath Balasooriya and service assistant R. M. T. Dilshan Rathnayake accompanied the ambassador.

Following the headquarters engagements, the delegation visited the Sri Lankan contingent at Green Hill. Lieutenant Colonel Mahesh Pathiraja and members of the unit hosted the delegation for a programme that included cultural activities and Sri Lankan food.

Withanage discussed the contingent’s responsibilities with personnel and expressed appreciation for their work, according to the ministry. He also assured them of the embassy’s support during their deployment.

The ministry’s account describes special security arrangements for the visit, including an escort and coordination with UNIFIL operational and liaison personnel. It links those arrangements to conditions in southern Lebanon at the time.

The ambassador thanked the contingent and UNIFIL staff involved in coordinating the programme.

The announcement was issued by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beirut on 5 October, more than two weeks after the visit. It presents the engagements as part of Sri Lanka’s diplomatic support for its personnel serving with the United Nations mission in Lebanon.