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Sri Lanka Armoured Corps

Whither the Fates Call

History of the Armoured Brigade Sri Lanka Armoured Corps

Sri LankaArmoured Corps, which possessed only reconnaissance vehicles at the inception, underwent considerable expansion due to increasing terrorist activities in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka. Armoured Corps played a vital role in anti - insurgent activities to maintain law and order during both JVP insurrections. Since the emergence of northern separatism, Armoured Corps has been playing a vital role in almost all the military operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Army. The Armoured Corps in the evolution increased its strength and organizational structure. Presently a fully-fledgedArmoured Brigade is functional. The Commander Armoured Brigade is also the Director of Armour in which capacity he advises the Commander of the Army on Armour matters.

Since the inception in 1989 to date, the Armoured Brigade was commanded by following senior officers:

Name From To
Brig T N De Silva 17.01.1989 30.11.1989
Brig P A Karunathilaka RWP 30.11.1989 21.12.1990
Brig P A Karunathilake RWP 01.04.1991 20.02.1994
Brig D Kalupahana RSP USP psc 20.02.1994 10.01.1995
Brig N R Marambe RSP USP psc 10.01.1995 07.05.1996
Col G Balasuriya RWP USP psc 07.05.1996 03.01.1997
Col G AChadrasiri USP psc 03.01.1997 06.06.1997
Col J Jayasuriya USP psc 08.10.1997 29.12.1997
Brig G AChandrsiri USP psc 29.12.1997 15.07.1999
Brig N ARanasinghe RSP USP psc 15.07.1999 15.01.2000
Col R M JayasingheUSP psc 15.01.2000 02.12.2001
Brig R M Jayasinghe USP psc 02.12.2001 03.05.2002
Col R M J A Ratnayake RSP 03.05.2002 12.07.2002
Col M P Peiris RWP RSP psc 12.07.2002 06.01.2005
Col U A B Madawalapsc 06.01.2005 01.02.2006
Col A M Perera RWP RSP psc 01.02.2006 01.05.2006
Brig A M Perera RWP RSP psc 01.05.2006 19.08.2006
Col N Udawatta RSP psc 19.08.2006 12.03.2007
Brig N Udawatta RSP psc 13.03.2007 25.06.2007
Col B A Perera RSP psc 25.06.2007 07.08.2007
Brig B A Perera RSP psc 07.08.2007 01.03.2008
Brig S D T Liyanage RSP psc 01.03.2008 06.11.2008
Col I P Ranasinghe RWP RSP psc 06.11.2008 03.07.2009
Col A S Wijewickrama (Over Looking) 01.03.2009 12.04.2009
Col I P Ranasinghe RWP RSP psc 12.04.2009 03.07.2009
Col D T Gamage (Over Looking) 03.07.2009 03.08.2009
Brig I P Ranasinghe RWP RSP psc 03.08.2009 25.02.2010
Col A S Wijewickrama 25.02.2010 22.11.2010
Brig A S Wijewickrama 22.11.2010 11.05.2012
Col D T Gamage psc 11.05.2012 01.03.2013
Brig D T Gamage psc 01.03.2013 21.06.2013
Brig N I De Silva RSP(Over Looking) 21.06.2013 07.10.2013
Brig R G U Rajapaksha RSP psc 07.10.2013 06.09.2016
Brig D T Gamage psc(Over Looking) 07.09.2016 27.09.2016
Brig A L P S Tillekerathna RWP RSP USP psc 28.09.2016 12.03.2018
Brig M K S Silva RWP RSP 12.03.2018 31.08.2018
Col S W M Fernando WWV RWP RSP USP psc 08.10.2018 16.09.2019
Brig S W M Fernando WWV RWP RSP USP psc 16.09.2019 20.12.2019
Brig M G T D Rathnasekara USP 26.12.2019 18.05.2021
Maj Gen M G T D Rathnasekara USP 18.05.2021 09.07.2021
Brigadier P A M Peris RSP USP psc 09.07.2021 03.05.2022
Brigadier M W A R C Wijesuriya 07.05.2022 18.11.2022
Brigadier W P Kariyawasam 22.11.2022 07.10.2023
Brigadier L K T Fernando RSP USP 15.10.2023 20.07.2024
Brigadier A A D P Kulathilaka USP ndc psc 22.07.2024 Up To date

Brig T N De Silva was the 1st Commander of the Armoured Brigade which was raised on 17th Jan 1989. He has handed over the command to Brig P AKarunathilake RWP on 30th Nov 1989.

The most significant event of the Armoured Brigade was the raising of 4thArmoured Regiment and the arrival of T 55 MBTs from Czech Republic in the year 1991. Initially 25 x MBTs and 2 x ARVs were brought. With this induction, the existing tactical deployment of Armour was transformed considerably.

During the period of 1990/1992, a number of operations were launched in which, units and sub units of the Armoured Brigade contributed actively and effectively. During the period the Army conducted following operations and Armoured Brigade participated for many of the operations under the command of Brig P AKarunathillake RWP as the Commander Armoured Brigade.

Operation Date
Operation Thrivida Balaya I 1990.08.22 - 1990.09.13
Operation Oister 1990.08.31
Operation Peacock 1990.08.01
Operation Sea Breeze 1990.09.01 - 1990.09.01
Operation Blue Thunder 1990.09.11
Operation Thrivida Balaya II 1990.10.11
Operation Jayashakthi 1990.10.17 - 1990.10.17
Operation Tiger Flush 1991.01.10
Operation South Paw 1991.02.11
Operation Bash Up – Phase II 1991.03.23
Operation Royal Plush 1991.04.01
Operation Bash Up 1991.04.04 - 1991.04.04
Operation Tiger Chest 1991.04.04 - 1991.04.04
Operation High Tide I and II 1991.04.25 - 1991.04.31
Operation Wanni Wickrama I 1991.05.09 - 1991.06.22
Operation Cover Drive 1991.05.11 - 1991.05.13
Operation Sunny Island 1991.05.13 - 1991.05.13
Operation Rana Shakthi 1991.05.13 - 1991.05.13
Operation Rmadad 1991.05.19 - 1991.05.21
Operation Kokilai 1991.05.23 - 1991.05.24
Operation Wanni Wickrama II 1991.06.01 - 1991.06.14
Operation Count Down 1991.06.07 - 1991.06.07
Operation Mixed Grill 1991.06.11 - 1991.06.17
Operation Sledge Hammer 1991.06.14 - 1991.06.14
Operation Black Panther 1991.06.17
Operation Thunder Bird 1991.07.03 - 1991.07.11
Operation Ashakasena 1991.07.10
Operation Balawegaya 1991.07.14 - 1991.04.16
Operation Akunupahara 1991.08.29 - 1991.09.26
Operation Day Break 1991.08.31 - 1991.11.24
Operation Red Arrow 1991.09.22 - 1991.09.23
Operation Seal Off 1991.10.11
Operation Valampuri 1991.10.18 - 1991.10.24
Operation Boomarang 1991.10.31 - 1991.11.02
Operation Green Belt 1991.11.04
Operation Hot Arrow 1991.11.05 - 1991.11.05
Operation Akalvessa 1991.11.07 - 1991.11.08
Operation Tiget Hunt III 1991.11.11 - 1992.03.22
Operation Belt 1991.11.27 - 1992.11.28
Operation Watarauma 1991.11.27 - 1992.12.02
Operation Green Belt II 1991.12.03 - 1991.12.05
Operation Kerakilla 1991.12.03 - 1991.12.05
Operation Rhino 1991.12.07 - 1991.12.07
Operation Moon Light 1991.12.16 - 1991.12.16
Operation Suli Sulang 1991.12.20 - 1994.06.04
Operation Black Fox 1991.12.22 - 1991.12.23
Operation Vanapeiruma 1991.12.23 - 1991.12.23
Operation Buwalla 1991.12.25
Operation Kande Gedara 1991.12.31 - 1992.03.22
Operation Jungle Storm 1991.01.10 - 1992.01.18
Operation Tiger Hunt I, II, III & IV 1992.01.02
Operation New Year 1992.01.02
Operation Ashtray 1992.01.19
Operation Razor 1992.01.27 - 1992.03.15
Operation Duruthu Gaman 1992.01.30 - 1992.01.30
Operation Bodilima 1992.02.02 - 1992.02.02
Operation Ratarekuma 1992.02.05 - 1992.02.06
Operation Four Star 1992.02.12 - 1992.02.15
Operation Eastern Cut Off 1992.02.12 - 1992.02.17
Operation Wanni Wickrama III Phase I 1992.02.20
Operation Wanni Wickrama III Phase II 1992.02.20
Operation Wanni Wickrama II 1992.02.24 - 1992.03.03
Operation Green Bay 1992.02.28 - 1992.03.25
Operation Jaya Bima 1992.03.06 - 1992.07.09
Operation Seda Pahaara 1992.03.08 - 1992.04.01
Operation Suva Sevana 1992.03.12 - 1992.03.12
Operation Kadulla 1992.03.16 - 1992.03.25
Operation Haye Pahara 1992.03.17 - 1992.03.30
Operation Getabera 1992.03.19 - 1992.03.29
Operation Green Bay II 1992.03.24 - 1992.03.25
Operation Razor II 1992.03.25 - 1992.03.25
Operation Gajabera 1992.03.27 - 1992.03.27
Operation Black Fox Phase III 1992.03.30
Operation Razor III 1992.04.07 - 1992.04.07
Operation Modara Koti 1992.04.07
Operation Round Up 1992.04.11
Operation Duragaman 1992.04.17 - 1992.04.22
Operation Green Belt III 1992.04.25 - 1992.05.01
Operation Jaya Bhumi 1992.04.30 - 1992.04.30
Operation Jaya Bhumi III 1992.05.02
Operation Warm Up 1992.05.06
Operation Jaya Bhumi IV 1992.05.22
Operation Chandramaruthaya 1992.05.22
Operation Moonsoon 1992.05.07 - 1992.05.07
Operation Hathurudamana 1992.05.15
Operation Safe Belt 1992.05.20
Operation Satbala 1992.05.28 - 1992.06.09
Operation Shallow Water 1992.05.29 - 1992.05.31
Operation Chandramaruthaya I 1992.05.22 - 1992.06.11
Operation Chandramaruthaya II 1992.05.27
Operation Chandramaruthaya II Phase II 1992.06.11
Operation Nijabhumi 1992.05.30
Operation Mathahari 1992.06.04
Operation Jaya Bumi Phase IV 1992.06.05
Operation Star Light 1992.06.05 - 1992.06.05
Operation Dadabima 1992.06.16 - 1992.06.18
Operation Sathbala 1992.06.19
Operation Balawegaya II 1992.06.24 - 1992.07.10
Operation Sakhanda 1992.06.26 - 1992.07.02
Operation Thunder Bird 1992.06.26
Operation Jaya Wickrama 1992.06.27 - 1992.06.27
Operation Jayashanka 1992.07.03
Operation Jaya Rekha 1992.07.06 - 1992.07.06
Operation Jaya Keheli 1992.07.11 - 1992.07.11
Operation Jaya Hanada 1992.07.11 - 1992.07.11
Operation Jayaputhra 1992.07.13
Operation Farewell 1992.07.21 - 1992.07.21
Operation Jaya Shakthi 1992.07.27
Operation Buwalla 1992.08.07 - 1992.08.22
Operation Boomi Kampa 1992.08.20 - 1992.08.21
Operation Gajarty 1992.08.22 - 1992.08.22
Operation Jaya Lanka 1992.08.25
Operation Gajamuthu 1992.08.27 - 1992.08.27
Operation Re Match 1992.08.29
Operation Akunusera 1992.09.01
Operation Weerodara 1992.09.01
Operation Muhudu Lihini 1992.09.10
Operation Green Belt 1992.09.23
Operation Chathuranga 1992.09.18 - 1992.09.18
Operation Boomi Kampa 1992.09.21
Operation Seegra Pahara 1992.09.30 - 1992.10.05
Operation Gamperaliya 1992.10.09
Operation Jaya Shakthi 1992.10.31 - 1992.11.03
Operation Siba 1992.11.01 - 1992.11.01
Operation Jerry 1992.11.03
Operation Jaya Pahara 1992.11.08 - 1992.11.09
Operation Prince 1992.11.14
Operation Secure I 1992.11.23
Operation Secure II 1992.11.23
Operation Palamayata 1992.11.23 - 1992.11.23
Operation Moon Shine 1992.12.08 - 1992.12.12
Operation Jaya Ganga 1992.12.11 - 1993.01.31
Operation Rankaduwa 1992.12.21 - 1992.12.21
Operation Adasanda 1992.12.24 - 1992.12.24
Operation Gold Mine 1992.12.26 - 1993.01.03
Operation Edithara 1993.01.09 - 1993.01.09
Operation Abeetha 1993.01.12 - 1993.01.12
Operation Moon Shine I 1993.01.08
Operation Moon Shine II 1993.01.21 - 1993.01.21
Operation Moon Light 1993.01.22 - 1993.01.22
Operation Samagiya 1993.01.23
Operation Jaya Ganga II 1993.01.30
Operation Black Fox IV 1993.02.01 - 1993.02.18
Operation Thunder Bolt 1993.02.10 - 1993.07.17
Operation Wana Tharana 1993.02.15 - 1993.02.15
Operation Avasada 1993.02.02
Operation Ranabima 1993.02.20
Operation Ranasiri 1993.02.12
Operation Madu 1993.02.23
Operation Seda Pahara 1993.02.28
Operation Full Moon 1993.03.07 - 1993.03.07
Operation Sumana 1993.03.10 - 1993.06.29
Operation Moon Beam 1993.03.13 - 1993.08.31
Operation Dasabala 1993.04.04 - 1993.04.04
Operation Sumana II 1993.04.08 - 1993.06.29
Operation Suli Sulaga I 1993.04.09
Operation Suli Sulaga II 1993.04.12
Operation Gimhanaya 1993.04.10 - 1993.04.10
Operation Himadiri Gaman 1993.04.17 - 1993.04.18
Operation King – Fisher 1993.04.21 - 1993.04.22
Operation Air Wolf 1993.05.01
Operation Stand Storm 1993.05.14 - 1993.05.17
Operation Trouble Free 1993.05.16
Operation Tiger Hunt 1993.05.25
Operation Konch Shell II 1993.06.14
Operation Muhudu Sulanga 1993.06.10 - 1993.06.27
Operation Check Mate 1993.06.17 - 1993.06.23
Operation Muhudu Sulanga Phase II 1993.06.23
Operation Sunbeam 1993.07.09 - 1993.07.09
Operation Pera Dekuma 1993.08.07 - 1993.08.12
Operation Royal Flush 1993.08.19 - 1993.10.21
Operation Royal Flush Phase II 1993.08.25
Operation Sapta Medura 1993.08.28 - 1993.08.28
Operation Gajashakthi 1993.08.29 - 1993.09.29
Operation Kesarasingha 1993.08.30 - 1993.08.31
Operation Welikatara 1993.09.26 - 1993.10.18
Operation Yaldevi 1993.09.28 - 1993.11.12
Operation Wera Vijaya 1993.09.29 - 1994.05.13
Operation Grndslam 1993.10.09 - 1993.10.19
Operation Champagne 1993.10.15 - 1993.10.17
Operation Hatra Wata 1993.10.19 - 1993.10.19
Operation Dedunna I 1993.10.20 - 1993.10.24
Operation Dedunna II 1993.10.23
Operation Watarauma 1993.10.29
Operation Jaya Bima I 1994.02.06
Operation Devenigamana 1994.02.08
Operation Velusumana 1994.02.11 - 1994.03.07
Operation Democracy 1994.02.15
Operation Sea Shore 1994.02.16 - 1994.02.16
Operation Guwan Praharaya 1994.02.17 - 1994.02.17

Brig D Kaluphana RSP USP psc took over Command of the Armoured Brigade from Brig P A Karunathilake RWP on 20thFeb 1994. During the period the Army conducted following operations and Armoured Brigade participated for many of them.

Operation Date
Operation Satutu Uyana 1994.03.16
Operation Silver Line 1994.03.22 - 1994.03.22
Operation Jaya Bima II 1994.03.26 - 1994.03.26
Operation Sanda Kelum 1994.04.02 - 1994.04.07
Operation Jaya Bhumi 1994.04.03 - 1994.04.03
Operation Angoda Villu 1994.04.05
Operation Nandinitra 1994.04.06 - 1994.04.06
Operation White Eagle 1994.04.24 - 1994.04.25
Operation Jayamaga 1994.04.25 - 1994.05.29
Operation Diyakawa 1994.04.30
Operation Wanasepa 1994.05.20 - 1994.05.20
Operation Suuraweera 1994.05.29 - 1994.05.29
Operation Jayamaga II 1994.06.03 - 1994.06.03
Operation Bambra Chakra 1994.06.13 - 1994.07.03
Operation Spear Head 1994.07.01
Operation Wega Gamana 1994.07.01
Operation North Star II 1994.06.01
Operation Double Grip 1994.07.19
Operation Gajabala 1994.08.08
Operation Strike Eagle 1994.08.14 - 1994.08.14
Operation Ranahada 1994.08.17 - 1994.08.27
Operation Jaya Handa 1994.09.25 - 1994.09.25
Operation Rain Storm 1994.10.17
Operation Gallant Warrior 1994.10.18
Operation Sea Hawk 1994.11.28
Operation Eelam War III
Operation Retaliatory Strike 1995.01.05
Operation Satutu Uyana 1994.03.16
Operation Silver Line 1994.03.22 - 1994.03.22
Operation Jaya Bima II 1994.03.26 - 1994.03.26
Operation Sanda Kelum 1994.04.02 - 1994.04.07
Operation Jaya Bhumi 1994.04.03 - 1994.04.03
Operation Angoda Villu 1994.04.05
Operation Nandinitra 1994.04.06 - 1994.04.06
Operation White Eagle 1994.04.24 - 1994.04.25
Operation Jayamaga 1994.04.25 - 1994.05.29
Operation Diyakawa 1994.04.30
Operation Wanasepa 1994.05.20 - 1994.05.20
Operation Suuraweera 1994.05.29 - 1994.05.29
Operation Jayamaga II 1994.06.03 - 1994.06.03
Operation Bambra Chakra 1994.06.13 - 1994.07.03
Operation Spear Head 1994.07.01
Operation Wega Gamana 1994.07.01
Operation North Star II 1994.06.01
Operation Double Grip 1994.07.19
Operation Gajabala 1994.08.08
Operation Strike Eagle 1994.08.14 - 1994.08.14
Operation Ranahada 1994.08.17 - 1994.08.27
Operation Jaya Handa 1994.09.25 - 1994.09.25
Operation Rain Storm 1994.10.17
Operation Gallant Warrior 1994.10.18
Operation Sea Hawk 1994.11.28
Operation Eelam War III  
Operation Retaliatory Strike 1995.01.05

At the inception of the Armoured Brigade, it functioned as a single entity. With the expansion of the organization and induction of new equipment, a requirement arose to separate the combat elements from administrative elements, to perform efficiently in the battlefield. Since the ArmouredBrigade had expanded its theatres of operation by deploying 1, 3, 4 and 5 SLAC in multiple theatres, there was animperative requirement to decentralize command and control. This resulted in raisingof a Mechanized Bridged in the latter part of 1993 which consisted of 1, 3, 4 and 5 SLAC under its command.

Brig N R Marambe RSP USP psc took over the command of Armoured Brigade from Brig D Kalupahana RSP USP psc on 10th Jan 1995.During the period the Army conducted following operations and Armoured Brigade participated for many of them.

Operation Date
Operation Swift Strike 1995.04.26
Operation Jayamaga 95 1995.04.22 - 1995.04.30
Operation Kick off 1995.04.24 - 1995.04.24
Operation Randiya 1995.04.24 - 1995.04.29
Operation Wake Up 1995.04.28 - 1995.04.28
Operation Rama Shakthi I 1995.05.05
Operation Shakthi II 1995.05.10
Operation Randiya II 1995.05.14 - 1995.05.16
Operation Royal Flush II 1995.05.17 - 1995.05.17
Operation Safe Passage 1995.05.17 - 1995.05.17
Operation Thunder Strike 1995.05.17 - 1995.05.20
Operation Thunder Strike II 1995.05.23
Operation Rama Shakthi III 1995.06.02 - 1995.06.03
Operation Viduli Pahana 1995.06.15 - 1995.06.15
Operation Sedapahana 1995.06.29
Operation Whirl Wind 1995.06.27
Operation Ranahada 1995.07.02
Operation Leap Forward 1995.07.09 - 1995.07.16
Operation Hard Knock 1995.07.27 - 1995.07.27
Operation Shake Hand 1995.08.10 - 1995.08.15
Operation Rivirasa 1995.08.18
Operation Shake Hand III – 96 1995.08.21 - 1995.08.22
Operation Dragan Fire 1995.08.21 - 1995.08.23
Operation Barrel Warmer 1995.08.26 - 1995.08.29
Operation Shake Hand II 1995.09.12 - 1995.09.20
Operation Ranagaja 1995.09.15
Operation Gajanavi 1995.09.16
Operation Thunder Strike II 1995.10.01 - 1995.10.09
Operation Thamparaveli 1995.10.16 - 1995.10.17
Operation Rivirasa Stage – 1 1995.10.17 - 1995.12.04
Operation Tiger Hunt 95 1995.11.09 - 1995.11.09
Operation Siging Fish 1995.11.10
Operation Riviresa Stage Phase III 1995.11.11
Operation Shake Hand III 1995.12.10 - 1995.12.15
Operation Shake Hand IV 1995.12.26
Operation Pony 1996.01.14 - 1996.01.14
Operation Rivikirana 1996.01.17 - 1996.03.03
Operation Rivikirana II 1996.01.26
Operation Shake Hand IV 1996.01.20 - 1996.01.28
Operation Shake Hand V 1996.01.22 - 1996.01.23
Operation Forg Jump II 1996.01.29 - 1996.01.30
Operation Ramasiri 1996.02.21. - 1996.02.21
Operation Rivikirana III 1996.02.08
Operation Rivikirana IV 1996.02.23
Operation Rivikirana V 1996.03.01 - 1996.03.07
Operation Clear Cut 1996.03.14
Operation Quick Strike 1996.03.05 - 1996.03.05
Operation Rekawarana 1996.03.18 - 1996.11.21
Operation Riviresa Stage V 1996.03.29 - 1996.04.04
Operation Blue Lagoon 1996.04.12
Operation Riviresa II 1996.04.19 - 1996.05.02
Operation Tiger Hunt 1998.05.02

The joint Operation Headquarters was established and an Overall Operation Commander was appointed on 27th Apr 1995 to plan and coordinate operation to neutralize LTTE and to re-establish Government control in the LTTE controlled areas. As the higher strategy and the operational plan evolved to accomplish this task, new operational organizations came into being in the form of 51, 52 and 53 Divisions. 51 and 52 Divisions were organized with 03 x Infantry Brigades in each. 53 DIVISION was organized with the Air Mobile Brigade as 531 Brigade, the Independent Brigade as 534 Brigadeand an Infantry Brigade as 532 Brigade.

The existing Mechanized Brigade was converted to on operational Armoured Brigade named as 533 Brigade, which was under command to the 53 Division on 30th Sep 1995. 3, 4 and 5 SLAC which were deployed in Palaly camp under operational command of this Brigade.

The 533 Armoured Brigade consisted of the following regiments :

3rd Reconnaissance Regiment
4thArmoured Regiment
5th Reconnaissance Regiment
Armoured Workshop - EME

On 07th May 1996 Brig N R Marambe RSP USP psc handed over the command of the Armoured Brigade to Col G Balasuriya RWP USP psc.During the period the Army conducted following operations and Armoured Brigade participated for many of them.

Operation Date
Operation Round Up 1996.05.12 - 1996.05.12
Operation Riviresa Stage – III 1996.05.15 - 1996.05.27
Operation Vallai 1996.05.16 - 1996.05.16
Operation Royal Flush 1996.05.31
Operation Wilpattu 1996.06.01
Operation Water Fall 1996.06.01
Operation Clean Up 1996.06.01
Operation Thunder Bird 96 1996.06.12 - 1996.06.15
Operation Ranahada 96 1996.06.13 - 1996.06.17
Operation Thunder Bird II 1996.06.14 - 1996.06.17
Operation Hand Shahe IV 1996.06.08
Operation Thunder Brird I 1996.06.12
Operation Ranahada 1996.06.11
Operation Suli Sulan 1996.06.15
Operation Shake Hand IV – 96 1996.06.21 - 1996.06.22
Operation Thunder Bird III 1996.06.23 - 1996.06.23
Operation Ranahada II – 96 1996.06.26 - 1996.06.28
Operation Shock 1996.07.01
Operation Hela Bala 1996.07.01
Operation Valikamm West 1996.07.05 - 1996.08.05
Operation Seda Pahara – 96 1996.07.17 - 1996.07.26
Operation Thrivida Pahara 1996.07.23 - 1996.08.23
Operation Sathjaya 1996.07.26 - 1996.07.31
Operation Sathjaya Stage II 1996.07.28
Operation Jayahada IV 1996.08.04 - 1996.08.04
Operation Sathjaya II 1996.08.04 - 1996.08.23
Operation Clean Share 1996.09.10 - 1996.09.10
Operation Sathjaya III 1996.09.22 - 1996.10.02
Operation Diri Thara 1996.10.20 - 1996.10.20
Operation Royal Flush II 1996.10.29 - 1097.05.20
Operation Sivu Balaya 1996.11.12
Operation Rakawarana 1996.11.16
Operation Royal Flush II Phase III 1996.12.05
Operation Singing Fish 1996.12.13 - 1996.12.18
Operation Tiger Hunt 96 1996.12.29 - 1996.12.31
Operation Rivi Jaya 1997.01.01 - 1997.01.09

Since its inception the Armoured Brigade contributed in all operations conducted up to the termination of conflict in all theatres of operation at Squadron, Regiment and Brigade level. The honour and credit should go to the Officers and men who have actively participated in operations. Special mention must be made to the EME personnel who have toiled day and night to keep the Armoured Fighting Vehicles in operational condition.

In 1996 another 15 x MBTs were inducted to 4 AR from Czech Republic. On 03rd Jan 1997, the Command of the Armoured Brigade was handed over by Col G Balasuriya RSP USP psc to Col G AChandrasiri RWP USP psc. During the period the Army conducted following operations and Armoured Brigade participated for many of them.

Operation Date
Operation Edibalaya 1997.02.05 - 1997.02.05
Operation Safe Passage 1997.02.06
Operation Yala Safari 1997.03.06
Operation Ranajaya 1997.02.24 - 1997.04.08
Operation Ranajaya II 1997.04.06
Operation Trivida Seraya 1997.03.11
Operation Randunna 1997.03.19 - 1997.03.27
Operation Instr No I Op Jayasikuru 1997.04.26
Operation Ranahela I 1997.04.27
Operation Randunna II 1997.03.28 - 1997.04.03
Operation Ran Wella 1997.04.30 - 1997.05.07
Operation Ranhela II 1997.05.09
Operation Jayasikuru 1997.05.13 - 1998.12.01

Col G AChandrasiri USP psc handed over the command of the Armoured Brigade to Col J Jayasuriya USP psc on 08th Oct 1997.

6th Regiment received new BTR 80 / 80 A Armoured Personnel carriers from Russia and began a new phase in its role. 7 (v) SLAC was raised under the command of Lt Col M W EW Silva at KEERIMALAI on 22ndMay 1998. Troops from 7 SLNG were posted to the Regiment. TheArmoured Brigade was expanded with the raising of 8th Reinforcement Regiment on 30th July 1998. This regiment was formed at VASAVILAN. The first Commanding Officer was Maj L D R S Kumara.

During the period the Army conducted following operations and Armoured Brigade participated for many of them.

Operation Date
Operation Jayasikura Stage II Phase III 1997.11.12
Operation Instr No 8 OP Jayasikuru Stage 1997.11.12
Operation Instr No 9 OP Jayasikuru Stage 1997.11.12
Operation Instr No 10 OP Jayasikuru Stage 1997.11.10
Operation Instr No 11 OP Jayasikuru Stage 1997.12.17
Operation Pubudu 1997.12.01

Col J Jayasuriya USP psc handed over the command of the Armoured Brigade to Brig G AChandrasiri USP psc on 29thDec 1997.During the period the Army conducted following operations and Armoured Brigade participated for many of them.

Operation Date
Operation Mankerni 1998.01.05
Operation Jayasikuru Stage III Phase IV 1998.02.07
Operation Counter Force 1998.03.01
Operation Jayasikuru Stage III 1998.05.26
Operation Jayaboomi 1998.05.29
Operation Vakarai 1998.05.29
Operation Indra Sera 1998.06.22 - 1998.06.24
Operation Rivibalaya 1998.06.25 - 1998.06.29
Operation Saviyabalaya 1998.06.25
Operation Saviyabalaya II 1998.07.15 - 1998.07.15
Operation Dasabala 1998.08.19 - 1998.08.21
Operation Ranahada 1998.08.19 - 1998.08.30
Operation Shiyashakthi 1998.08.29 - 1998.08.29
Operation Jayasikuru Stage III Phase VIII 1998.09.12
Operation Jayasikuru Stage III Phase IX 1998.09.28
Operation Jayasikuru Stage IV Phase I 1998.10.02
Operation Jayasikuru Stage IV Phase II 1998.10.08
Operation Verugal Area 1998.10.23
Operation Jaguar 1998.10.23
Operation Search Light 1998.10.23
Operation Vadadiya 1998.11.08
Operation Rivibala 1998.12.01 - 1999.03.05
Operation Bunker Buster 1999.02.28
Operation Ranagosa I 1999.03.06 - 1999.03.22
Operation Ranagosa II 1999.03.22 - 1999.05.10
Operation Ranagosa III 1999.05.10 - 1999.06.20
Operation Ranagosa IV Stage I 1999.06.10 - 1999.06.26
Operation Ranagosa IV Stage II 1999.06.26 - 1999.07.25
Operation New Year Strike 1999.04.19
Operation Team Spirit 1999.04.26
Operation Whirl Wind 1999.06.09
Operation Supremacy 1999.06.09
Operation Side Thrust 1999.06.28

Brig G AChandrasiri USP psc handed over the command of the Armoured Brigade to Brig N A Ranasinghe RSP USP psc on 15th Jul 1999.During the period following operations were conductedby the Armoured Brigade.

Operation Date
Operation Ranagosa IV Stage III 1999.07.25 - 1999.09.12
Operation Ranagosa V 1999.09.12 - 1999.10.14
Operation Supremacy 1999.12.01
Operation Rala Pahara I 1999.09.14 - 1999.09.15
Operation Rala Pahara II 1999.10.18 - 1999.10.19
Operation Water Shed I 1999.10.14 - 1999.10.28
Operation Water Shed II 1999.10.28 - 1999.11.01

Brig N A Ranasinghe RSP USP psc handed over the command of the Armoured Brigade to Col R M Jayasinghe USP psc on 15th Jan 2000.During the period following operations were conducted by the Armoured Brigade.

Operation Date
Operation Rivikirana I 2000.09.03
Operation Rivikirana II 2000.09.10
Operation Kinihira I 2000.09.17
Operation Kinihira II 2000.09.26
Operation Kinihira III 2000.10.28
Operation Kinihira IV 2000.11.19
Operation Kinihira IV – Stage II 2000.12.05
Operation Kinihira V – Stage I 2000.12.16
Operation Kinihira VII 2000.12.22 - 2000.12.
Operation Kinihira VIII 2000.12.30 - 2000.12.
Operation Kinihira IX 2001.01.06
Operation Kinihira Phase II 2001.01.16
Operation Agni Khiela I 2001.04.25

Col R M J ARathnayaka RSP USP took over the Armoured Brigade from Brig R M Jayasingha USP pscon 03rdMay 2002. During this period Defensive operations were conducted to prevent the enemy attacks and organized the regiments for offensive operations in terms of demonstrations and rehearsals.

Later Col R M J ARathnayake RSP USP handed over the Brigade to Col M P Peris RWP RSP psc on 12thJuly 2002. During this period Defensive operations were conducted to prevent the enemy attacks and organized the regiments for offensive operations in terms of demonstrations and rehearsals.

On 6th January 2005, Col M P Peris RWP RSP psc handed over command of the Armoured Brigade to Col U A B Medawalapsc. During this period Defensive operations were conducted to prevent the enemy attacks and organized the regiments for offensive operations in terms of demonstrations and rehearsals.

On 01st Feb 2006 Col U A B Madawalapsc handed over command of the Armoured Brigade to ColA M Perera RWP RSP psc.

The operations conducted during the period were as follows;

NORTH and EAST Humantarian Operation - 2006 to 2007

Operation for the liberation of MavilAru was conducted from 26th July 2006 to 8th Aug 2008 by SL Army where SLAC troops contributed their maximum for the success of it.

On 19th Aug 2006 Brig A M Perera RWP RSP psc handed over command of the Armoured Brigade to Col N Udawata RSP psc.

SL Army conducted the Eastern Humanitarian operation from 04thAug 2006 to 12thJuly 2007 to liberate the eastern theater of the country from LTTE activities. Following operations were conducted by SL Army where SLAC troops contributed their maximum for the success of those.

Operation to MUTTUR - 04th Aug 2006
VAKARAI Humanitarian Operation - 21st Jan 2007
BATICALO Humanitarian Operation - 11thApr 2007
THOPPIGALA Final Operation - 12th July 2007

On 25th Jun 2007 Brig N Udawata RSP psc handed over command of the Armoured Brigade to ColB APerera RSP psc

The operations conducted during the period were as follows;

EAST Humantarian Operation - 2006 to 2007
NORTH Humantarian Operation - 2007 to 2009

On 1stMar 2008Brig B APereraRSP pschanded over command of the Armoured Brigade to Brig S D T Liyanage RSP psc.The operations conducted during the period were as follows:

NORTH and EAST Humantarian Operations - 2007 to 2008

On 6th Nov 2008, Brig S D T Liyanage RWP pschanded over command of the Armoured Brigade toCol I P Ranasinghe RWP RSP psc.

The operations conducted during the period were as follows:

NORTH and EAST Humantarian Operations - 2007 to 2008

During Brig I P Ranasinghe RWP RSP psc tenure following officers over looked the duties of Commander Armoured Brigade due to his other official commitments.

Col A S Wijewickrama 01.03.2009 – 12.04.2009 Col D T Gamagepsc 03.07.2009 – 03.08.2009

SL Army conducted the Northern Humanitarian operation from 08th Aug 2006 to 18thMay 2009 to liberate the northern theater of the country from LTTE command and control. There were series of combined operations as mentioned below;

The Wanni Operation launched by Sri Lanka Army after liberation of the MavilAru in the east on 08 August 2006 spread subsequently to other areas of the WANNI and the NORTH where innocent civilians were held as captives by the LTTE on Prabhakaran’s diktats.

LTTE terrorists were gradually challenged and defeated by the Army with the assistance of other forces while capturing LTTE strongholds one after the other. MANNAR, POONERYN, PARANTHAN, ELEPHANT PASS, MUHAMALAI, NAGARKOVIL, KILINOCHCHI, MULLAITTIVU and PUTHUKUDIYIRUPPU were the main northern towns that fell into Army hands after heavy fighting in the operations.

The final phase of the war as the world’s largest rescue mission took place at WELLAMULLIVAIKKAL, north of MULLAITTIVU where the LTTE leader VELUPILLAI PRABHAKARAN was killed by the Army along with his top-level leaders who had well over 30 years infused terror, mayhem and destruction to the society.

During above operations SLAC Officers and Other Ranks continually contributed fully for the final victory.

On 5th Dec 2010Brig I PRanasinghe RWP RSP psc handed over command of the Armoured Brigade toColA S Wijewickrama.

NORTH and EAST Humantarian Operations

On 11th May 2012Brig A S Wijewickramahanded over command of the Armoured Brigade to Col D T Gamagepsc. During this period Defensive operations were conducted to prevent the enemy attacks and organized the regiments for offensive operations in terms of demonstrations and rehearsals.

On 11th May 2012Brig A S Wijewickramahanded over command of the Armoured Brigade to Col D T Gamagepsc. During this period Defensive operations were conducted to prevent the enemy attacks and organized the regiments for offensive operations in terms of demonstrations and rehearsals.

On 07th Oct 2013 Brig N I De Silva RSP handed over command of the Armoured Brigade to the present Commander Armoured Brigade, Brig R G U Rajapakshe RSP psc.

KIA/ MIA Officers & Soldiers as a Annex A and "B"