Raising Of the Battalion

The battalion was established on 05th January 2009 during Wanni Humanitarian Operation to strengthen the Sri Lanka Army with the prime objective of safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the island of Sri Lanka. Initially the battalion was deployed in Welioya area at Wediwettakallu under 223 Brigade in 2009. After a while, this battalion was deployed at Nedunkerny junction under 642 Brigade on 08 November 2009. Then battalion was re-established at the present location called ‘Odaiweli’ under 561 Brigade since 08th January 2010.

Battalion Raising Order

The Beginning of a Proud Battalion

Commanding Officer - O/3568 Major IWMAP Ilangakoon RSP -VIR

Second in Command - O/4411 Major HMA Bandara -VIR

Adjutant - O/5043 Capt WAND Jayasundara -VIR

QM - O/7321 Capt (QM) GAS Priyashantha -SLNG

Regimental Sergeant Major - S/17H00002 WO I KM Chandrasena - VIR

Key Operations

Wanni Humanitarian War - 223 Bde

History in Brief

17th the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment was officially declared open on 5th January 2009 at Wediwettakallu under- command to 223 Bde at Welioya area according to the respective Army Order (ARO/G/SD/51). At the inception, 16 officers and 341 soldiers from volunteer battalions as well as 187 newly trained recruits from respective training schools were reported and deployed at Wediwettakallu area on 28 December 2008.

After establishing this unit on 05 January 2009, under the instructions of 223 Bde Commander Lt Col Sudaththa Thilakarathne, this Bn was tasked to establish and maintain a Defense line from Wediwettakallu to Nikawewa with the view of safeguarding Sinhala villages while engaging in protective operations to ensure the security of forward and backward of Bde area. The troops of this Bn were fully involved in these aforesaid operations.

Even in the course of adverse rainy seasons, the officers and soldiers of this Bn dedicatedly contributed their unblemished service coping with fewer resources. In the face of many difficulties and constraints, especially having inadequate transportation and undeveloped road networks, they performed their level best to carry out their duties without causing any issues.

On 11 February 2009, under the instructions of Directorate of Operation, this Bn was re-deployed in Nedunkerny area in Mullaitivu to clear belly areas under the supervision of 3 Task Force. During this juncture, the troops of this Bn took part in clearing operations to clear 87 Square kilometers of their AOR with the support of Special Forces successfully. As a result, the troops of this respective Bn were appraised by the higher headquarters since they effectively engaged in belly clearing operations. However, many troops of this Bn stood a chance to follow belly clearing operation courses in Wanni area and further, they got to serve in 59 division with the same duties and the immense contribution rendered by the troops of this Bn were highly appreciated.

Even after successful defeat of LTTE terrorists entirely by SL Armed Forces on 19 May 2009, the troops continued to render their dedicative service to clear belly areas while assisting the government development projects in Northern development programme under the supervision of 223 Bde in Welioya.