Rohitha Bogollagama, Special Representative/Envoy of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, led the Sri Lanka delegation to the 2023 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial held on 05th and 06th December 2023 in Accra, Ghana.
While delivering the national statement and pledges for the United Nations Peacekeeping operations the Special Representative/Envoy Bogollagama extended the highest tribute to the fallen peacekeepers who sacrificed their lives for peacekeeping operations. He recognized the strong commitment and political will of the Member States of the United Nations for peacekeeping operations in conflict affected countries in the world and commended the Republic of Ghana for hosting the 2023 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial in Accra which is the first time this is being held in Africa.
While reiterating Sri Lanka’s continued commitment and contributions to global peacekeeping efforts in line with relevant international regulations and established principles of sustainable peacekeeping, the Special Representative/Envoy also assured that Sri Lankan military personnel both male and female are well-prepared to undertake new missions in the global quest for peace, in short notice. The professionalism and valor of the Sri Lankan peacekeepers is appreciated by the UN field Missions.
Further, as a Troop Contributing Country deploying more than twenty one thousand peacekeepers over the last six decades while extending Sri Lanka’s pledges during the 2023 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial in the interest of global peace and security, the Special Representative/Envoy registered his concern with regard to the safety and security of peacekeepers who continue to operate in regions with persistent conflicts, heightened violence and challenging terrains.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Special Representative/Envoy held a productive discussion with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana Shirley Ayorkor Batchwey. The Special Representative/Envoy was accompanied by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Ethiopia and a senior official from the Ministry of Defence.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
London
12 December 2023
