SRI LANKA SINHA REGIMENT
Until independence in 1948, the Ceylon Defence Force was vested with the responsibility of national security; and after February 4th1948, the Sri Lankan Government became solely responsible for protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the island. In order to meet this challenge raising and maintaining a standing army was a necessity. The British had left a volunteer force and the government supplemented it with a regular force in order to defend national interests of Sri Lanka.
As the government felt the need for expanding the infantry capability of the Army, a Rifle Regiment, with the designation, The 1st Battalion Ceylon Sinha Regiment, was raised on 1st Oct 1956 at the Imperial Camp, Diyatalawa. It was the first Rifle Battalion of the Ceylon Army. Lt Col RD Jayatilleka MBE was appointed as its first Commanding Officer.
Meanwhile, the ‘C’ Company of the renowned 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the Ceylon Light Infantry was re-designated as Rajarata Rifles under the able command of Lt Col SD Ratwatte. The Rajarata Rifles was soon re-designated as the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, the Ceylon Sinha Regiment thus giving birth to the volunteer counterpart of 1st Battalion the Ceylon Sinha Regiment.
On 1st Oct 1969, The 3rd Volunteer Battalion the Ceylon Sinha Regiment was raised at Hill’s School, Nuwara Eliya. Later when Sri Lanka became a republic on 22nd May 1972 the Ceylon Sinha Regiment that comprised one Regular Battalion and two Volunteer Battalions was renamed as Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment.
With the advent of terrorism on Sri Lanka soil in early 1980s, the Sri Lanka Army accelerated its expansion to meet the threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity by Tamil rebels. The Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment too expanded consequently and the following battalions were added to the Regiment.
4th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 1st Dec 1995
5th (Vol) Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 1st Feb 1987
6th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 01st Aug 1987
7th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 12th May 1990
8th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 16th Oct 1992
9th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 01st Jan 1993
10th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 23rd Jan 1994
11th (Vol) Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 16th Apr 1994
12th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 25th June 2007
14th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 1st Dec 2007
15th (Vol) Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 01st Jan 1997
16th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 01st July 2008
17th (Vol) Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 1st Dec 2007
18th (Vol) Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 30th Mar 1997
19th (Vol) Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 31st Aug 2008
20th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 01st Oct 2008
21st Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 01st Dec 2008
22nd (Vol) Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 01st July 2009
23rd Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 01st Aug 2009
24th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment – 01st Oct 2009
25th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 20th Sept 2010
26th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 20th Sept 2010
27th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 20th Sept 2010
28th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 20th Sept 2010
During the period of Humanitarian Operation the Regiment comprised of twelve Regular Battalions and nine Volunteer Battalions deployed in the field and a Regimental Headquarters Battalion comprising of those Sinha personnel disabled in action. The Battalions deployed in the field are committed to proudly and bravely face the challenges that are thrown at them and protect the integrity and sovereignty of their island home.
In order to meet the administrative challenges that were experienced as a result of the expansion of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment a Regimental Headquarters was established on 9th May 1988 at the same location where the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment was raised in 1956 at Diyatalawa. Brig D Wijesinghe assumed duties as the first Colonel Commandant of the Regiment. Later on 21st Oct 1989, the Regimental Headquarters was relocated at Ambepussa, with the 1st Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment.
Presently the Regiment has 15 Regular Bn and 8 Volunteer Bn’s with RHQ Bn at the Regimental Centre Ambepussa.
PARAMA WEERA VIBUSHANAYA
The Sinha Regiment motto is “ks¾NS; fõ.j;a” (Swift and Bold). There are many occasions of valour displayed by members of the Regiment who lived up to this motto. One such occasion was when Capt SU Aladeniya 3rd (Volunteer) Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, who was the Officer Commanding of the Army camp at Kokavil that was attacked by terrorists, sacrificed his life in defending his Camp against overwhelming odds.
In another instance, Cpl Kularathna YGG of 6th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment displayed his valour when he single – handedly attacked the enemy taking them completely by surprise. Amidst the hail of enemy gun fire, Kularathna ran the final race in his life, scaled the approaching modified enemy tank and flung a grenade into it. Rifleman Kularathna was killed. But, his heroic action immobilized the monstrous vehicle, saved his comrades and ensured the security of the camp.
Rec Abeyrathna Banda AMBG was a member of a small group of eight soldiers who were tasked to conduct a special operation on 29.01.2009 to destroy a well-secured and strong bunker of the LTTE that was repeatedly used to attack the Security Forces. Without considering the danger of the enemy ground where anti personnel mines and traps had been laid, this small group including Rec Abeyrathna Banda AMBG reached their target in a tactical and secret manner and sprang an attack on the enemy bunker. The fight between the LTTE and the Security Forces became very tense due to reprisal LTTE attacks. Rec Abeyrathna Banda AMBG got critically injured due to gunshot injuries, sustained in the battle. However, this battle-oriented soldier did not want to give up his mission and continued to fight with courage and valour. Having sensed, his comrade-soldiers would be surrounded and assaulted by the terrorists, this heroic soldier disregarding risk to his own life and security broke into the enemy territory and exploded a hand grenade ending his own life and lives of terrorists around him. He thus, sacrificed his life and youth for the sovereignty of the Motherland whilst protecting the lives of his comrades.
All three heroes were posthumously awarded the ‘Parama Weera Vibhusanaya’ (PWV), the highest award for bravery and heroism.
THE FLAG OF THE SRI LANKA SINHA REGIMENT
A blazon of the Flag, in heraldic terms would be; a field of black with two broad vertical stripes in green each equidistant from the dexter and sinister ends of the flag. In the centre a powder horn with the word ‘isxy’ in Sinhala characters inscribed across it surmounted by a lion statant holding in the dexter paw a sword erect point upward all in yellow.
The Colours Black and Green on the flag of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment represent the outdoor environment under the cover of which the rifleman waits in stealth to observe, skirmish with his adversary and fade away. Yellow represents the spirit of the Regimental Motto “Swift and Bold”.
The Powder Horn on the Regimental Badge symbolizes the early riflemen of the infantry. The Horn is embellished with engravings of an old Sinhala art form – the Liyawela designs; and carries an inscription of the regimental nomenclature ‘isxy’.
The Lion with Sword in hand on the Regimental Badge symbolizes the sovereignty of the country and Regimental nomenclature; and the Regiment’s pledge to defend its motherland from adversaries.
REGIMENTAL MASCOT
It is believed that quadrupeds are closely associated with humans in their activities. Animals were trained by humans from the Stone-Age to assist man. Subsequently, Battalions were raised with trained animals to fight with enemies. As man developed and made war with his foes, he trained animals to assist him, and at the same time reared them as pets and companions. Our ancient kings have used elephants and horses along with infantry men in their armies, where the animals have played an important role. The first Commanding Officer of the first Rifle Battalion in Sri Lanka, the Ceylon Sinha Regiment, had a great desire to adopt a Regimental pet (Mascot) in the Regiment, and acquired a goat of the Sanan variety from the government farm at Kundasale.
This Mascot named ‘Tojo’, was trained to participate in Parades under the guidance of Regimental Sergeant Major WO I TFB Morseth. Tojo’s trainer was Cpl Wilbert. ‘Tojo’ who started his military career at the Independence Parade in 1961, held in Kandy was applauded by thousands of people as it marched with Sinha soldiers on Parade. ‘Tojo’ has participated at the Independence Parades at Kandy, Anuradapura, Galle, Badulla and Kurunegala. This was the first time in Sri Lanka that a Regiment had the distinction of parading a mascot.
In 1977, the Commanding Officer, Lt Col DW Hapuarachchi and Maj J Nammuni made arrangements to obtain a lion cub for adoption as a Regimental mascot in consultation with the authorities of the Dehiwala Zoo. The lion cub was taken to Colombo for training from Dehiwala, and after each training session, he was returned back to the Zoo. The Lion was looked after by a care-taker of the zoo. All requirements for its up-keep were provided by the Regiment. This Lion Mascot was seen for the first time at the Army Search Light Tattoo held in Colombo from the 18th to 22nd Jan 1978. On 4th Feb 1978, it took-part in the First Independence Day Parade where the first Executive President of Sri Lanka was the Chief Guest.
REGIMENTAL MARCH OF THE SRI LANKA SINHA REGIMENT
From its raising in 1956, the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment marched to the tune of Lutzow's "Wild Hunt”, the Regimental March of the United Kingdom Rifle Brigade.
After Ceylon declared itself the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on 22nd May 1972, in a national awareness, Units of the armed services began to replace their marches, and western patterns and symbols on their accoutrements with those of national character.
On instructions from the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment Lt Col PGS Dahanayake psc, Capt Gotabhaya Rajapakse of the Regiment had consultations with Pundit WD Amaradewa, and Poet and Lyricist Mahagamasekera. The efforts of these two produced the Regimental March used by the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment today.
Traditionally the marching speed of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment is 140 paces to a minute conforming to the character of its forebear, the Rifle Regiment, when speed became important to cover ground in the fastest possible time. However in present times, at combined marches-past it conforms to march at 120 paces a minute to keep in step with other Units.
Until independence in 1948, the Ceylon Defence Force was vested with the responsibility of national security; and after February 4th1948, the Sri Lankan Government became solely responsible for protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the island. In order to meet this challenge raising and maintaining a standing army was a necessity. The British had left a volunteer force and the government supplemented it with a regular force in order to defend national interests of Sri Lanka.
As the government felt the need for expanding the infantry capability of the Army, a Rifle Regiment, with the designation, The 1st Battalion Ceylon Sinha Regiment, was raised on 1st Oct 1956 at the Imperial Camp, Diyatalawa. It was the first Rifle Battalion of the Ceylon Army. Lt Col RD Jayatilleka MBE was appointed as its first Commanding Officer.
Meanwhile, the ‘C’ Company of the renowned 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the Ceylon Light Infantry was re-designated as Rajarata Rifles under the able command of Lt Col SD Ratwatte. The Rajarata Rifles was soon re-designated as the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, the Ceylon Sinha Regiment thus giving birth to the volunteer counterpart of 1st Battalion the Ceylon Sinha Regiment.
On 1st Oct 1969, The 3rd Volunteer Battalion the Ceylon Sinha Regiment was raised at Hill’s School, Nuwara Eliya. Later when Sri Lanka became a republic on 22nd May 1972 the Ceylon Sinha Regiment that comprised one Regular Battalion and two Volunteer Battalions was renamed as Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment.
With the advent of terrorism on Sri Lanka soil in early 1980s, the Sri Lanka Army accelerated its expansion to meet the threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity by Tamil rebels. The Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment too expanded consequently and the following battalions were added to the Regiment.
4th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 1st Dec 1995
5th (Vol) Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 1st Feb 1987
6th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 01st Aug 1987
7th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 12th May 1990
8th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 16th Oct 1992
9th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 01st Jan 1993
10th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 23rd Jan 1994
11th (Vol) Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 16th Apr 1994
12th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 25th June 2007
14th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 1st Dec 2007
15th (Vol) Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 01st Jan 1997
16th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 01st July 2008
17th (Vol) Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 1st Dec 2007
18th (Vol) Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 30th Mar 1997
19th (Vol) Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 31st Aug 2008
20th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 01st Oct 2008
21st Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 01st Dec 2008
22nd (Vol) Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 01st July 2009
23rd Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 01st Aug 2009
24th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment – 01st Oct 2009
25th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 20th Sept 2010
26th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 20th Sept 2010
27th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 20th Sept 2010
28th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment - 20th Sept 2010
During the period of Humanitarian Operation the Regiment comprised of twelve Regular Battalions and nine Volunteer Battalions deployed in the field and a Regimental Headquarters Battalion comprising of those Sinha personnel disabled in action. The Battalions deployed in the field are committed to proudly and bravely face the challenges that are thrown at them and protect the integrity and sovereignty of their island home.
In order to meet the administrative challenges that were experienced as a result of the expansion of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment a Regimental Headquarters was established on 9th May 1988 at the same location where the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment was raised in 1956 at Diyatalawa. Brig D Wijesinghe assumed duties as the first Colonel Commandant of the Regiment. Later on 21st Oct 1989, the Regimental Headquarters was relocated at Ambepussa, with the 1st Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment.
Presently the Regiment has 15 Regular Bn and 8 Volunteer Bn’s with RHQ Bn at the Regimental Centre Ambepussa.
PARAMA WEERA VIBUSHANAYA
The Sinha Regiment motto is “ks¾NS; fõ.j;a” (Swift and Bold). There are many occasions of valour displayed by members of the Regiment who lived up to this motto. One such occasion was when Capt SU Aladeniya 3rd (Volunteer) Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, who was the Officer Commanding of the Army camp at Kokavil that was attacked by terrorists, sacrificed his life in defending his Camp against overwhelming odds. In another instance, Cpl Kularathna YGG of 6th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment displayed his valour when he single – handedly attacked the enemy taking them completely by surprise. Amidst the hail of enemy gun fire, Kularathna ran the final race in his life, scaled the approaching modified enemy tank and flung a grenade into it. Rifleman Kularathna was killed. But, his heroic action immobilized the monstrous vehicle, saved his comrades and ensured the security of the camp.
Rec Abeyrathna Banda AMBG was a member of a small group of eight soldiers who were tasked to conduct a special operation on 29.01.2009 to destroy a well-secured and strong bunker of the LTTE that was repeatedly used to attack the Security Forces. Without considering the danger of the enemy ground where anti personnel mines and traps had been laid, this small group including Rec Abeyrathna Banda AMBG reached their target in a tactical and secret manner and sprang an attack on the enemy bunker. The fight between the LTTE and the Security Forces became very tense due to reprisal LTTE attacks. Rec Abeyrathna Banda AMBG got critically injured due to gunshot injuries, sustained in the battle. However, this battle-oriented soldier did not want to give up his mission and continued to fight with courage and valour. Having sensed, his comrade-soldiers would be surrounded and assaulted by the terrorists, this heroic soldier disregarding risk to his own life and security broke into the enemy territory and exploded a hand grenade ending his own life and lives of terrorists around him. He thus, sacrificed his life and youth for the sovereignty of the Motherland whilst protecting the lives of his comrades.
All three heroes were posthumously awarded the ‘Parama Weera Vibhusanaya’ (PWV), the highest award for bravery and heroism.
THE FLAG OF THE SRI LANKA SINHA REGIMENT
A blazon of the Flag, in heraldic terms would be; a field of black with two broad vertical stripes in green each equidistant from the dexter and sinister ends of the flag. In the centre a powder horn with the word ‘isxy’ in Sinhala characters inscribed across it surmounted by a lion statant holding in the dexter paw a sword erect point upward all in yellow.The Colours Black and Green on the flag of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment represent the outdoor environment under the cover of which the rifleman waits in stealth to observe, skirmish with his adversary and fade away. Yellow represents the spirit of the Regimental Motto “Swift and Bold”.
The Powder Horn on the Regimental Badge symbolizes the early riflemen of the infantry. The Horn is embellished with engravings of an old Sinhala art form – the Liyawela designs; and carries an inscription of the regimental nomenclature ‘isxy’.
The Lion with Sword in hand on the Regimental Badge symbolizes the sovereignty of the country and Regimental nomenclature; and the Regiment’s pledge to defend its motherland from adversaries.
REGIMENTAL MASCOT
It is believed that quadrupeds are closely associated with humans in their activities. Animals were trained by humans from the Stone-Age to assist man. Subsequently, Battalions were raised with trained animals to fight with enemies. As man developed and made war with his foes, he trained animals to assist him, and at the same time reared them as pets and companions. Our ancient kings have used elephants and horses along with infantry men in their armies, where the animals have played an important role. The first Commanding Officer of the first Rifle Battalion in Sri Lanka, the Ceylon Sinha Regiment, had a great desire to adopt a Regimental pet (Mascot) in the Regiment, and acquired a goat of the Sanan variety from the government farm at Kundasale.This Mascot named ‘Tojo’, was trained to participate in Parades under the guidance of Regimental Sergeant Major WO I TFB Morseth. Tojo’s trainer was Cpl Wilbert. ‘Tojo’ who started his military career at the Independence Parade in 1961, held in Kandy was applauded by thousands of people as it marched with Sinha soldiers on Parade. ‘Tojo’ has participated at the Independence Parades at Kandy, Anuradapura, Galle, Badulla and Kurunegala. This was the first time in Sri Lanka that a Regiment had the distinction of parading a mascot.
In 1977, the Commanding Officer, Lt Col DW Hapuarachchi and Maj J Nammuni made arrangements to obtain a lion cub for adoption as a Regimental mascot in consultation with the authorities of the Dehiwala Zoo. The lion cub was taken to Colombo for training from Dehiwala, and after each training session, he was returned back to the Zoo. The Lion was looked after by a care-taker of the zoo. All requirements for its up-keep were provided by the Regiment. This Lion Mascot was seen for the first time at the Army Search Light Tattoo held in Colombo from the 18th to 22nd Jan 1978. On 4th Feb 1978, it took-part in the First Independence Day Parade where the first Executive President of Sri Lanka was the Chief Guest.
REGIMENTAL MARCH OF THE SRI LANKA SINHA REGIMENT
From its raising in 1956, the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment marched to the tune of Lutzow's "Wild Hunt”, the Regimental March of the United Kingdom Rifle Brigade.After Ceylon declared itself the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on 22nd May 1972, in a national awareness, Units of the armed services began to replace their marches, and western patterns and symbols on their accoutrements with those of national character.
On instructions from the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment Lt Col PGS Dahanayake psc, Capt Gotabhaya Rajapakse of the Regiment had consultations with Pundit WD Amaradewa, and Poet and Lyricist Mahagamasekera. The efforts of these two produced the Regimental March used by the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment today.
Traditionally the marching speed of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment is 140 paces to a minute conforming to the character of its forebear, the Rifle Regiment, when speed became important to cover ground in the fastest possible time. However in present times, at combined marches-past it conforms to march at 120 paces a minute to keep in step with other Units.
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