HISTORY OF 7TH (VOLUNTEER) BATTALION THE GAJABA REGIMENT
In pursuit of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, an infantry battalion was formally incorporated into the esteemed Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and the illustrious Gajaba Regiment. This momentous addition received the esteemed approval of His Excellency the President, alongside the then Army Commander, Lieutenant General H Wanasinghe VSV ndc. The battalion's official commissioning on 14 December1990, marked a pivotal juncture, taking place at the premises of the Irrigation Department in Pankulam, Moravewa, Trincomalee District. This significant event was enacted through the promulgation of Army Conduct Order No. ARO/31/90GVF/29(41) on 28 November 1990.
The battalion's inception in December 1990 ushered in a force comprising 6 officers and 203 other ranks from the 2nd Volunteer Gajaba Regiment. Additionally, it included one officer and 125 other ranks from the 5th Volunteer Gajaba Regiment, in conjunction with two fresh officers trained at the esteemed SLMA-Diyathalawa, along with a contingent of volunteer trainees. A comprehensive training institution was established, accommodating 9 officers and 428 other ranks, among them being one hundred apprentices who completed the rigorous apprentice training course hailing from Diyathalawa. In its formative stages, Lt. Col. ADJG Suraweera, an accomplished officer from the Second Volunteer Sinha Regiment, assumed the mantle of the first commanding officer. This distinguished lineage continued with the appointment of L Wijekoon, a seasoned leader from the Second Sinhala Sinha Regiment, as the second commanding officer. Further leadership responsibilities were undertaken by Captain V A P Samaraweera from the 1st adjutant of 4th Gajaba Regiment and Non-Commissioned Officer WO I M L J Danapala from the Constituent Volunteer Gajaba Regiment, who admirably shouldered the mantle of the First RSM. The battalion's illustrious journey was marked by service under the stewardship of 9 commanders over more than three decades, thereby exemplifying an unwavering commitment to preserving Sri Lanka's sovereign integrity.
From its inception, the battalion assumed a paramount role in ensuring the security of vital main supply routes. Beyond this, its contributions were pivotal to the execution of formidable operations, including the likes of JAYAGANGA, INDRA SARA I, INDRA SARA II, RIVIKIRANA, and the NORTHERN MANUSHIYA OPERATION. The valor and dedication demonstrated by the battalion's soldiers were fittingly acknowledged through accolades, as evidenced by the conferral of a WWV Medal, two RWP Medal, and an impressive twenty-two RSP Medal.
The year 2022 bore witness to the battalion's continued dedication to national security, as it embarked on a comprehensive training course from 27 June 2022. In response to the pressing social and economic crisis afflicting the nation, exacerbated by civil unrest within the capital city of Colombo, the battalion assumed a pivotal role in restoring tranquility and fostering economic stability and national unity. Guided by the directives issued by the army headquarters, the battalion conducted itself with discipline and resolve, paving the way for effective crisis management. In a remarkable display of agility and commitment, the battalion swiftly departed from the Jaffna Kodikammam area, responding within a span of less than twenty-four hours to quell an emergent crisis on 07 July 2022. Its operational scope expanded as it became attached to the Air Mobile Brigade under the 53 Division stationed at SLEME - Malay Street.
Subsequently, A more permanent transfer took place on 12 September 2022 as the battalion was permanently withdrawn to Security Force Headquarters (Jaffna) and moved to Security Force Headquarters (West)under the command of 14 InfDiv, an operational unit of the 142 InfBde. This transformation translated into multifaceted responsibilities, encompassing the provision of security for the residences of Ministers/Members of Parliament, facilitation of secure parliamentary sessions, and extending support to the Sri Lanka Police in managing unauthorized protests. This broader role found the battalion stationed at the Ratmalana Army Camp, serving diligently from 17 August 2022 to 17 July 2023. Reinforcing its pivotal role, it was subsequently tasked under the Sri Lanka Army Restructuring Strategic Plan from 18 July 2023. Operating within the sphere of elite security duties, the battalion admirably undertook internal security responsibilities aimed at maintaining a controlled environment. Temporary stationing at the 142 InfBde within the Akuregoda Army Headquarters compound provided further testament to the battalion's adaptability and commitment, harmoniously coexisting with the 12Gajaba Regiment.
The Names of the Commanding Officers
| Srn | Name | From | To |
| 1. | Lt Col ADJP Suraweera ksv | 14.12.1990 | 17.02.1994 |
| 2. | Lt Col L Wijekoon | 18.02.1994 | 09.05.1997 |
| 3. | Lt Col RM Kumarasinghe | 14.05.1997 | 29.05.2004 |
| 4. | Maj KM Thilakarathne | 29.05.2004 | 14.06.2007 |
| 5. | Lt Col KM Thilakarathne | 15.06.2007 | 23.06.2008 |
| 6. | Maj DKGS Kapukotuwa (Over Looking) | 24.06.2008 | 14.03.2001 |
| 7. | Maj GRG Ranasinghe (Over Looking) | 03.15.2011 | 22.06.2011 |
| 8. | Maj RHSPK Perera | 23.06.2011 | 28.02.2012 |
| 9. | Lt Col RHSPK Perera | 01.03.2012 | 10.10.2015 |
| 10. | Maj WR Presanna(Over Looking) | 16.12.2016 | 14.02.2017 |
| 11. | Lt Col EPA Mangala | 11.10.2015 | 15.12.2016 |
| 12. | Maj SAKD Lecamarachchi RSP | 15.02.2017 | 03.06.2020 |
| 13. | Maj WSI Fernando RWP | 04.06.2020 | 09.10.2021 |
| 14. | Lt Col WSI Fernando RWP | 10.10.2021 | 09.01.2022 |
| 15. | Maj HMSSB Karunarathne RWP RSP USP | 10.01.2022 | 18.09.2023 |
| 16. | Maj HMJUK Herath | 18.09.2023 | up to date |
Contact Details
| Address: | : | Headquarters |
| T.P No | : | 021 3734 827 021 4348484 |
