Squadron Leader Nishadi Pieris has become the first female officer of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) to receive the United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers’ Medal as a Military Observer.

She was recognized during a medal awarding parade under the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), where 19 military observers from 17 countries were honoured.

Pieris was deployed to MINURSO on 28 June 2024, marking a historic milestone for the SLAF.

Her recognition highlights Sri Lanka's growing contribution to global peacekeeping efforts.

The UN established the mission in 1991 to monitor the ceasefire and support a referendum on Western Sahara's status.