Header

Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment

Swift & Bold

11th (Volunteer) Battalion of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment

The 11th (Volunteer) Battalion of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment was formed on 16th April 1994 at the Devahoowa Camp in Galewela.The initial strength of the Battalion was made up of officers and men released from other Battalions to join this Battalion, the breakdown of which is; 5(V) SLA 01x75, 2(V) SLSR 03 x 126, 3(V)SLSR 04x 108, 5(V) SLSR 05 x 125.

Major JB Galgamuwawasappointed as Commanding Officer on 16th April 1994.

Officers and other ranks underwent training at the Devahoowa Campcommencing 16th April 1994.

Major RDA Jayasinghe was appointed as the Commanding Officer of the Battalion on 8th June 1994, as Major JB Galgamuwa proceeded on transfer to the 5th(V) Sinha Regiment of which he was appointed as the Commanding Officer.

Later, the Battalion was moved to Jaffna 17th July 1994 where it was placed under command to the 1st Task Force Division Headquarters and attached to the 9th Brigade. Having established the Battalion's Headquarters at the Teacher Training College at Palali, Wasavilanthe troops were deployed to secure the 2nd line of defence.

On 2nd & 3rd August 1994, the A Company was placed under command to the 27 Brigade and attached the 6th and 10th Gajaba Regiments for the conduct limited operations at Kayts and Mandaitivu.

On 24th September 1994 the Battalion being placed under command to the 26 Brigade took over duties at Kankesanthurai (KKS), Keeramalai, Senthankulam and Madagaldefenceline, which was established to function as a 2nd line of defence to the Palali High Security Zone (HSZ) at the time when ‘Operation Leap Forward' was launched.

On 27th September 1995 the Battalion was redeployed on the Alaweddi-Periyawalanline of defence which until then had been held by the 5thGamunu Watch. The Battalion's headquarters was also established in Alaweddi. The troops faced a number of attacks launched by the LTTE but, successfully repulsed them.

The Rear Headquarter at the Devahoowa Camp was relocated to Kotmale 12th January 1996.

3 officers and 120 other rankers joined the newly raised 15th Battalion on 1st January 1997.

The Battalion, until then placed under command to the 26 Brigadewas placed under command to the513 Brigade on 23rd February 1997.

With the commencement of 'Operation Riviresa' the Battalion was tasked with securing the line of defence inAlaweddi, Periyavilam. Sub units were detailed to operate in Valikamam West to ensure security in the area.

Based on information received on 6th October 1998 troops Carried out a search operation on an abandoned building and engaged a group of enemy cadres hiding in the said building. The follow up operations carried out by a group of 3 officers and 15 men from the Battalion officers and soldiers from this Battalionresulted in preventing an impending terror attack on the Airforce Camp in Palali and the aircraft parked on the tarmac.

Major DSSR Udayadheera took over the Command of the Battalion on 19th February 1999.

'Operation Unceasing Wave' launched in the 2000 by the LTTE having caused considerable damage to the Army deployed in Elephant Pass was threatening to push the Army further back towards Jaffna. Being under command to the 513 Brigadeand deployed at Ariyale,the 'C' Company of the Battalion was successful in countering the enemy's advance.

On 20th February 2006 Major MS Wickramasooriya took over the command of the Battalion.