A Sri Lanka Army soldier has died while serving in the UN mission in Mali. Peacekeeping troops of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) on Thursday (16) formally presented a military salute and bid farewell to the late Lance Corporal M.G.L Deshapriya (42) of the 6 Sri Lanka Army Service Corps who had passed away on 11 February 2023 following a sudden cardiac arrest upon admission to the MINUSMA Bamako Level - 3 Hospital.

In conformity with UN traditions, MINUSMA troops presented a salute lowered flags and honoured their comrade during the formal military parade before floral tributes were made to the coffin, draped in the UN flag by Ms Daniela Kroslak, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and Deputy Chief of MINUSMA Operations in the presence of a gathering of MINUSMA Officers and Other Ranks, including the Commanding Officer of the Sri Lankan Combat Convoy Company (CCC) of the MINUSMA.

The remains of late Lance Corporal M.G.L Deshapriya (42), a father of two children, and resident in Medawachchiya is to be brought to Sri Lanka shortly for final funeral arrangements.