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Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment

Swift & Bold

9th Battalion of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment

The 9th Battalion of the Sinha Regiment was formed on 19th January 1993 at the Ambepussa Camp. At the time of forming, a total of 482 officers and other ranks released from the 1st, 4th, 6th & 7th Battalions of the Sinha Regiment made its initial strength.

Major DRAB Jayatilake RWP RSP was appointed as the Commanding Officer.

Later the Battalion was moved from Ambepussa to Welioya and placed under command to the 6thBrigade.

On 1st June 1995, Major WMS Gunarathna psc took over the Command of the Battalion..

On 3rd July 1995 the Battalion was placed under command to Task Force Iin Jaffna and was deployed in Alaveddi, Achhuveli and Madagal. Here, the Battalion took an active part in 'Operation Leap Forward', 'Operation Thunder Strike' and 'Operation Riviresa'.

  

Troops engaged in 'Operation Riviresa'

In November 1995 the Battalion was deployed in Mullaitivuplaced under command to the 25 Brigade. On 17th June 1996, in Mullaitivu, as a result of an enemy attack the Battalion lost (killed) 19 officers and 459 other ranks. The personnel who survived the attack and those who were at the time on leave were re-grouped at the Kegalle Camp and the Battalion re-established on 20th August 1996.

The Battalion was then deployed in Thaladi, Mannar under command to the 212 Brigade. In February 1997 the Battalion participated in 'Operation Long March' on completion of which the Battalion carried out operations in Uilankulam.

On 9th March 1997 Major SHFP Perera RSP took over the duties of Commanding Officer.

In 1997 the Battalion took part in 'Operation Jayasikurui' which was launched from Vavuniya. In November 1999 the Battalion redeployed in Omanthai and was tasked with the defence of the FDL.

In April 2000, the Battalion was moved to Jaffna and engaged in countering the enemy attack on Palali. In the ensuing battle the Battalion lost (killed) an officer and 40 other ranks while a total of 87 sustained injuries.

On 2nd May 2000 the Battalion was amalgamated with the 14 SLSR, re-named as 9/14 SLSR and was deployed to Muhamalai, Chavakachcheri, Sarasalai and Nagarkovil.

On 13th June 2000 Major UAT Hennedige RSP was appointed as the Commanding Officer of the Battalion.

  

Troops at a briefing

With the signing of MOU between the Government and the LTTE in 2002 and the relative calm that existed, the Battalion was relieved from Colombuthurai and moved to Ariyalai to be placed under command to the 514 Brigade.

Lieutenant Colonel HJ Seneviratne RWP RSP was the Commanding Officer of the Battalion at this stage.