The formation of bands at regimental level was seriously considered 1989 when the Army realized that the Army Band could not meet the demands of the entire Army. After enlist suitable recruits and them having undergone basic military training at the Infantry Training School, Minneriya, they were divided among the following regiments, 17 to each, for the purpose of forming a regimental band.
Sri Lanka Armoured Corps
Sri Lanka Artillery Regiment
Sri Lanka Engineer Regiment
Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment
Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment
On completion of a three year comprehensive training programme on the trade, the regimental bands thus formed ‘passed out’ with the holding of a colourful ceremonial parade. At this parade, S/31288 Sergeant Mahindasiri KED of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment made the Regiment proud by winning the award for ‘The Best Band Leader’ while S/352545 Rifleman Fernando MSLR did the same by winning the award for was ‘The Best Instrument Player’. The overall award for ‘The Best Band’ was also won by the Sinha Regiment and it was appropriate that S/31288 Sergeant Mahindasiri KED accepted the award on behalf of the regiment. Ever since the forming of the Regimental Band it has continued to perform meeting all the requirements of the Regiment while being stationed at the Regimental Headquarters at Ambepussa.
Staff Sergeant Mahindasiri KED
In 1999, the year when the Army celebrated its 50th anniversary, while rehearsing for the 'celebrations' Staff Sergeant Mahindasiri KED unfortunately passed away as a result of a sudden illness. The void thus created was filled by S/352545 Warrant Officer II Fernando MSLR after having successfully completed the Band Leadership Training Course conducted at the headquarters of the Sri Lanka Army Band.
The Regimental Band increased its number to 21 members and under Warrant Officer II Fernando MSLR’s leadership and sheer hard work put in by collectively by all its members the band reached new heights in terms of professionalism and performance the highlight being placed runner-up at the Inter Regimental Band Competition held in 2002.
As at present, the Regimental Band with its 31 members and led by S/363233 Warrant Officer II Hearth KMRP continue to perform meeting all the requirements of the Regiment while maintaining a very high standard.
