In the relatively calm period brought about by the 'agreement' signed by the Government and the LTTE an Inter-Regimental Athletic Meet was at the Bogambara Grounds in Kandy from 10th to 12th March 1995 and the Battalion was placed 4th.A Ceremony to presentation of the Poorna Bhumi medal to individual members of the Battalion who had been engaged in operational duties for an extended period of time was held on 21st March. On instructions of the Regimental Headquarters, the Battalion launched programmes aimed at the welfare of civilians affected by the hostilities. A medical service, free of charge was offered to civilians of Aithamalei and Pawathchena which benefitted a large number of persons.
Taking advantage of the existing conditions a number of programmes and activity aimed at boosting the morale of the officers and men engaged in necessary operational duties. On 14th July 1995 on instructions of the Commander of the 3rd Brigade, the Headquarters and 'C' Company left Aiththamalei Army Camp for Hadipoweal Camp and subsequently moved on to Vavuniya.
In Sitthandi on 17th July 1995 troops on a reconnaissance patrol came under attack launched by the terrorists as a result of which, five other ranks were killed. In the counter attack caused several terrorists to be killed and many more wounded.
On 19thNovember 1995 an encounter between troops of the Battalion and LTTE cadres in Siththandi caused casualties on both sides. Following the encounter a search operation was launched in Siththandi, Sandiweli and Mawadiwembu as a result of which a number of terrorists were killed and several bombs, firearms, bicycles and handbills taken into custody. Towards the latter part of December 1995 a number of encounters with the terrorists took place in the Kiran and Siththandi areas which prompted the setting up of a new camp at Sandiweli to facilitate easy control of the area
On 15th January 1996, 'Operation Rivikirana' was launched in which troops of the Sinha Regiment took part along with troops from the 9th Sri Lanka National Guard and the 2nd Battalion (V) Sri Lanka Light Infantry.
On 7th February 1996, on the instructions from Army Headquarters a contingent of troops were moved to Colombo for the purpose of performing internal security duties. The Battalion Headquarters, one platoon of the Command and Admin Company and the 'A' Company shifted to the Batalanda Camp in Colombo as well as to the Headquarters of 4th (V) Battalion of the Sri Lanka Engineers located at Kirulapone. A temporary camp was also established at the Colombo Race Course. The Headquarters was established at Henry Pedris Park at Thimbirigasyaya while troops were stationed at Kelanitissa, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force premises at Battaramulla and at the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps Camp at Rock House. Subsequently these troops performing security duties in Colombo handed over duties to the 7th Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment and left for Elephant Pass on 7th July 1996.
Religious observances being the main event, the 40th Anniversary of the Battalion was celebrated on 1st October 1996 at Vettaleikerni with the participation of relatives of those killed in battle. On 27thOctober 1997 the Pulaweli Camp was handed over to the 4th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment. The 1st Battalion was placed under the command of the 542 Brigade, under command to 54 Division and took part in 'Operation Jayasikurui'.
Subsequently, troops were stationed at Sinhapurawasikulam under the Airmobile Brigade. Later, together with troops of the Special Forces Regiment, the Commando Regiment, the 3rd Battalion Sri Lanka Light Infantry and the 6th Battalion Gajaba Regiment operations were launched in Thanniwadi, Manpuram and Mankulam areas. On 23rd December 1996, Lieutenant Colonel DCP Rupasinghe relinquished duties as the Commanding Officer while same was taken over by Major MKD Perera.
Mid 1998 saw an increase in activity by the terrorists. As part of the troops involved in counter attacking the terrorists the Battalion successfully advanced and re-captured many areas in Mankulam so far held by the LTTE. From 23rd August 1998 to 23rd September 1998 the Battalion underwent Battalion Training at the Infantry Training Centre, Maduruoya after which all troops moved to Puliyankulam for operational duties.
In the latter part of 1998 and in early 1990 military operations were launched in Oddusoodan, Palanpiddi, Mundamurippu, Thandikulam, Notchchimote, Periyamadu and Pallai. Terrorists took to their heels in the face of the advancing troops of the Battalion. On 19th January 2000, Lieutenant Colonel MKD Perera RWP RSP relinquished duties as the Commanding Officer and Major AMR Darmasiri psc took over as the Commanding Officer of the Battalion.
On 10th April 2000 the LTTE resumed attacks on government forces using artillery and other heavy weapons. The Battalion being stationed at Iyakachchi with the support of other battalions in the area took suitable measures to neutralize the attacks. On 23rd April 2000 in the face of heavy enemy attacks on Elephant Pass the Battalion withdrew to Ilukkumadu which was certainly a setback. Subsequently, by launching a series of operations in Nagarkovil, Ariyalai, Kilali and Kaithadi the troops managed to control the advance of the enemy. The prevailing conditions caused numerous difficulties to the troops. However, amidst all the difficulties the counter operations aimed at destroying enemy camps in the area, some even located across the Kilali Lagoon, were successfully carried out.
On 1st October 2001 the troops were either airlifted from Ratmalana and Anuradhapura or transported by ship from Trincomalee to gather at Welioya. Arriving at Welioya the troops performed duties amidst much difficulty. On 18th December 2001 troops of 'D' Company were tasked to lay an ambush and to reach the specified point had to cross the Kiul Oya which at the time was in space. Unfortunately, while crossing the river two soldiers were drowned. Despite the negatives brought about by such incidents as well as the many number of casualties both dead and wounded at the hands of the terrorist, the troops continued to perform well.
On 29th February 2002 troops returned for Battalion Training. Taking into consideration the new developments the troops had to face in the field, many changes had to be made to the otherwise routine training programmes. Focus was directed towards digging and the effective use of trenches, live firing exercises, correct use of as well as battalion level tactics were the areas that training was concentrated on. Though as it possibly could have been, the troops followed training with much enthusiasm.
