The 17th (Volunteer) Battalion of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment was formed on 1st December 2007 at the 5(V) SLSR Rear Headquarters Complex in Digana, Maberiyathenna. Personnel released from other Battalions of the Regiment; 2 officers & 93 men from 2(V) SLSR, 3 officers & 63 men from 3(V) SLSR, 3 officers & 79 men from 5(V) SLSR, 2 officers & 83 men from 11(V) SLSR, 2 officers & 94 men from 15(V) SLSR, as well as 164 Recruits put together to make up its initial strength.
Lieutenant Colonel SKMMNK Mahanthe was appointed as the Commanding Officer on 1st December 2007.
After having undergone Battalion Training at the Commando Regiment Training school at Uva Kudaoya, the Battalion deployed at the Yala National Park.
On 23rd September 2008 troops of the Battalion successfully repulsed an attack carried out close to the Menik Ganga flowing through Yala. On 17th October 2008 an attack by the LTTE on the same area was once again successfully repulsed. However, a Senior Non Commissioned Officer was killed during the said confrontation. Two days later, in the same area, during in a separate attack by the LTTE, the troops of the Battalion were successful in causing considerable damage to the attackers.
19th August 2011, Major MA Laxman RSP was appointed as the Commanding Officer.
With the end of the 'Humanitarian Operation' and the continued deployment of the Battalion at the Yala National Park, the Battalion was able to enhance the security to the park and to its visitors as well as prevent unauthorized activity taking place inside the park's boundaries.
Troops engaged in cleaning the Yala National Park
On 22nd December 2013 the Battalion Headquarters was shifted to Dossar Weva, Gothamigama, SellaKathragama from its previous location at Katugamuwa.
Presently, the Battalion placed under command to 121 Brigade and deployed in Sewanagala, Thanamalwila, Wellawaya and Badalkumubura in the Monaragala District are engaged in the prevention of illegal activities taking place around the Yala National Park as well as assisting the government authorities in various government projects.
Troops engaged in assisting the authorities to prevent illegal activities
