The mortal remains of Mali-based UN Peacekeeper of the Sri Lanka Army who recently died of a cardiac arrest while serving the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) were brought to the island on Wednesday (22 February) afternoon. 6 Sri Lanka Army Service Corpse (6 SLASC) troops of his own Regiment received the coffin of late Lance Corporal M.G.L Deshapriya (42) in a military parade.

At the Colombo International Airport, the UN flag-draped coffin was symbolically delivered by Lieutenant Colonel H.M.W.R Herath, Supply and Transport Officer of Mali-based 4th Combat Convoy Company (CCC) to Major General Hirosha Wanigasekara, Colonel Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Service Corps and Master General Ordnance who represented the Commander of the Army.

The ceremonial parade afterwards handed over the UN flag back to Lieutenant Colonel H.M.W.R Herath, symbolizing the formal acceptance of the remains by the Troop-Contributing Country (TCC).

Vigilant troops in accordance with laid down procedures after a while draped the coffin in the National Flag and formally confirmed the acceptance of it by the TCC. Remains was afterwards taken to Negombo Hospital. The military funeral of late UN Peacekeeper, Lance Corporal M.G.L Deshapriya is schduled to take place at his respective home town in Warakapola.