The 21st Battalion of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment was raised on 4th December 2008. 18 officers and 553 soldiers drawn from other battalions of the Sinha Regiment made up its operational strength with Major KATR Perera RWP RSP who became the first Commanding Officer.
Being part of the 'Humanitarian Operation' since 22nd December 2008, the Battalion was placed under command to the 641 Brigade of Task Force 4 and wasinvolved in the conduct of operations in Welioya, EthawatunuWewa, Oddusudan, Pudukuduiuppu and Mullaitivu. In these operations the Battalion lost (killed) an officer and 29 soldiers while 7 officers and 145 received injuries.
Troops in the field between Oddusudanand Pudikudiiruppu
Injured soldiers being evacuated for medical treatment
The Battalion on 24th January 2009 was entrusted with the task of capturing of a strong point of the LTTE at the main entrance to the Pudukudiirippu Town. The Battalion achieved the task facilitating the conduct of further operations by other battalions.
Munitions and other items recovered during the offensive.
The Battalion placed under command to the 641 Brigade since 4th March 2009 was later moved to Nayaru, Mullaitivu and placed under command to the 591 Brigade. As part of the 591 Brigade, troops of the Battalion took an active part in rescuing the thousands of civilians who was at the time kept as a human shield by the LTTE. Withthe large number of IDPs moving into the areas that were at the time under the government's control, theBattalion was deployed to handle the IDP Reception Centres.
The Battalion established its HQ at Andakulam Reservation in Mullaitivu on 30th May 2009. The 'D' Company was deployed under the 594 Brigade on 3rd June 2009 and was later joined by the 'B' Company. The Tactical Headquarters and Support Company were also deployed in the same area on 10th June 2009.
The Battalion Headquarter was first placed under the 224 Brigade then placed under the 624 Brigade on 6thNovember 2009 and deployed in Halambawewa to conduct operational duties in Kiriibbanwewa, Janakappura and Thennamaranwadiya.
