Sri Lanka, Jan. 21 -- The 11th Sri Lanka Air Force Aviation Contingent assigned to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) departed Sri Lanka this morning (21 January 2026). The Contingent consists of 22 officers, including two lady officers and 88 airmen, including five airwomen, and is commanded by Group Captain Asiri Pathirage. The personnel represent the full range of professional capabilities required to carry out assigned duties under the UN mandate.

Meanwhile, the main element of the 10th Sri Lanka Air Force Aviation Contingent, comprising 94 personnel, returned to Sri Lanka this morning after completing a one-year deployment in the Central African Republic, which commenced on 6 December 2...