The Sri Lankan military has called for increased participation in peacekeeping missions with the United Nations, with the commander stating the forces were a “professional army”.
Lt. Gen. Crisanthe De Silva called for further participation, despite the controversy over Sri Lankan troops sexually abusing Haitian minors whilst on a previous peacekeeping mission. 111 soldiers and 3 officers were repatriated back to Sri Lanka after being part of UN mission in Haiti and were accused of a string of sexual assaults, including rape of children as young as 7 years old.
No one has yet been charged with any offences.
Speaking to the Sunday Island, Lt. De Silva claimed,
"Within a short span of time, we were able to make a significant positive impact on UN’s peacekeeping efforts… The Sri Lankan armed forces have been recognized for their commitment, competence and abilities in all UN assignments".
"As a professional army, we are optimistic of more opportunities to serve in overseas stations on UN assignments", he added, saying Sri Lankan troops were “lauded for their splendid performance".
Also see our earlier posts:
UN calls for ban on peacekeeping for countries over child sex abuse (17 June 2015)
UN peacekeepers ‘trade sex for food’ in Haiti (11 Jun 2015)
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ICP questions UN on impunity for SL peacekeepers (18 September 2013) Haitian sexual abuse troops remain unpunished (11 January 2012) Rs 18 billion paid to Sri Lanka for UN peace keeping missions (09 July 2012) Haitian lawyers condemn impunity for Sri Lankan soldiers (11 September 2011) Child rape impunity no bar to UN peacekeeping deal with Sri Lanka (27 May 2011) Sri Lanka forces fire into Haitian civilians (25 November 2009) UN confirms sex charges against Sri Lankan troops in Haiti child abuse (09 April 2008) Rape by Sri Lankan troops resurfaces – in Haiti (07 November 2007)
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