Subsequently, the Battalion was airlifted to Palali on 14th October 1990 to take part in 'Operation Jayashakthi' that was launched on 16th October 1990 as a result of which the stretch from Palali to KKS was cleared of all LTTE activity. On completion of the Operation the Battalion pitched camp in Kadduwan. While at Kadduwan on 2nd December 1990, due to an enemy attack on the FDL 11 soldiers of the Battalion were killed.
On 15th February 1991 Lieutenant Colonel GH Ariyarathne was appointed as the Commanding Officer of the Battalion. Commencing 25th April 1991 troops of the Battalion took part in 'Operation Hightide' launched to clear the separatist terrorists from the area around the Karainagar Naval Base in Kerativu Island. On successful completion the troops took part in the second stage of the Operation aimed at clearing the LTTE from the Kayts Island.
While deployed at Kadduwan the entire battalion underwent training at company level. On 24thJuly 1991 the Battalion's troops were transported on naval craft to be off loaded on the beach at Vettilaikerni to be part of 'Operation Balawegaya I' aimed at ending the LTTE's siege of Elephant Pass. In the said operation, the Battalion lost (killed) 19 personnel while another 98 received injuries.
Troops during the amphibious landing at Pooneryn
On 24th August 1991 the Battalion arrived at Welioya to engage in 'Operation Akunu Pahara'. The Operation continued to for a period of one month at the end of which the Battalion lost (killed) two soldiers.
Troops of the Battalion took part in 'Operation Walampuri' launched on 18th September 1991 with the aim to clear Mandaitivu and Kayts Island of LTTE activity. Stage II of the same operation aimed at clearing Pooneryn of all LTTE activity was launched on 21st September 1991 after which the Battalion set up camp. However, terrorists mounted attacks on these camps and killed 9 other rankers. In the counter attack the troops succeeded in killing 15 terrorists.
On 1st December 1991 a function attended by Major General DL Kobbekaduwa RWP RSP was held at Pooneryn followed by the commencement of a boat transport service between Nagawaththure and Elephant Pass on 5th December 1991.
On 20th February 1992 a soldier was killed and four others were reported 'missing in action' as a result of an LTTE attack at Kalmunethuduwa. Lieutenant Colonel BBS Mendis having been nominated to follow a course of training in USA (temporarily) handed over command to Lieutenant Colonel HR Stephen on 28th February 1992. On the same day an officer and four soldiers were killed as a result of an attack by the LTTE on the defence line at Pooneryn.
On 28th April 1992 with the exception of the 'D' Company all other troops were redeployed to Mandaitivu handing over the duties at Pooneryn to the troops of 4 SLLI. On 8th August 1992 a land mine blast at Arali in Mandaitivu took the lives of Lieutenant Colonel GH Ariyarathna; a former Commanding Officer of the Battalion and Lieutenant Colonel HR Stephen; theCommanding Officer of the Battalion at the time, along with a number of Army and Navy officers as well as a soldier.
Troops of the Battalion took part in 'Operation Walampuri' launched on 18th September 1991 with the aim to clear Mandaitivu and Kayts Island of LTTE activity. Stage II of the same operation aimed at clearing Pooneryn of all LTTE activity was launched on 21st September 1991 after which the Battalion set up camp. However, terrorists mounted attacks on these camps and killed 9 other rankers. In the counter attack the troops succeeded in killing 15 terrorists.
