Srilanka, May 5 -- A female officer of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has been awarded the United Nations (UN) Medal as a Military Observer for the first time in history, marking a milestone in Sri Lanka's contribution to global peacekeeping efforts.

Squadron Leader Nishadi Pieris of the SLAF was honoured with the UN Medal during the United Nations Peacekeepers' Medal Awarding Parade held recently. The ceremony recognised Military Observers deployed under the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO).

The medal ceremony was presided over by the Special Representative for Western Sahara and Head of MINURSO, Alexander Ivanko and Force Commander Major Gen. Fakhrul Ahsan. Nineteen United Nations Military Observe...