The 7th Battalion of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment was formed on 12th May 1990 at Ambepussa. 10 officers & 100 other ranks of the 1st Battalion SLSR, 7 officers & 156 other ranks of the 4th Battalion SLSR, 10 officers & 163 other ranks of the 6th Battalion SLSR, all released from their respective Battalions in order to be part of the 7th Battalion, made its initial strength.
Troops taking a break from training at Ambepussa
Major KAMDUM Kandaragama was appointed as the Commanding Officer while Major RC Induruwa assumed duties as the Battalions Second-in-Command. First appointment holders of the Battalion were Lieutenant AP Pallawela as the Intelligence Officer, Lieutenant (QM) CJ Wickramasinghe as the Quartermaster and Warrant Officer II Piyatissa as the RSM. The Chief Clerk of the Battalion was Staff Sergeant Vipul DHG. .
On 3rd July 1990, one month after being formed and while being engaged in training, the Battalion was deployed to Vavuniya and placed under command to the Security Area HQ (Wanni), at the time being commanded by Brigadier ST Jayasundara's. While in Vavuniya the Battalion teaming up with troops from other Battalions engaged in offensive operations and succeeded in taking back from the LTTE, the control of the Vavuniya Town. There after the Battalion was deployed in Vavuniya Town, Atambagaskada, Mahakachchikudiya, Nedunkulama, Maduwankanda, Ulukkulama, Purawasankulam and Nawakkulama.
Commanding Officer and others taking rest during a break when engaged in an operation in Batticaloa
On 12th July 1990 the Battalion reported to Ampara where after the break of a couple of days, the Battalion was engaged in offensive operations under the command of Brigadier UA Karunarathna resulting in clearing the Batticaloa Town of all terrorist activity. This was followed up with operations aimed at clearing Kiran, Kalkudha, Pasikuda of all terrorist activity. The operation then continued in the direction of Maha Oya through Chenkalladi and on 2nd August 1990, reached Periyapillumale where the Battalion set up camp. Based in Periyapillumale the Battalion continued to operate in Ampara and Batticaloa as and when called upon to do so.
Boarding an aircraft to proceed on an air reconnaissance in Vavunathivu & Commanding Officer briefing the troops prior to embarking on an operation in Batticaloa Although the whole Battalion was initially stationed at Periyapillumale commencing 12th September 1990, troops of the Battalion were deployed to Pulukunawa, Unnachchiya and Vavunathivu.
Major General Kobbekaduwa briefing troops prior to 'Operation Sathbalaya'
The Battalion moved to Welioya on 7th May 1992 after performing duties in Batticaloa. The Battalion continued to perform duties under the 3rd Brigade.
During this period, the troops moved in and out of every nook and corner of Batticaloa thus knew the area very well. The constant presence of Army troops denied the LTTE any chance of operating openly.
