Sri Lanka Army Special Forces Regiment
Encyclopedia
The Sri Lanka Army Special Forces Regiment (SF) (Sinhalese: විශේෂ බලකාය) is the elite special forces
unit of the Sri Lanka Army. This Regiment is specialized in hard-hitting shock action. The Special Forces Regiment has the distinction of taking part in almost all major offensives conducted by the Army since 1986. Their motto is “Determined, Dared, and Done”. The four arrows in their cap cadge depict the four-man team regularly used for covert strikes and its deep penetration capabilities.
The SF forms the Special Forces Brigade of the Sri Lanka Army. This force is similar to the United States Army Special Forces
("Green Berets").
, RWP, RSP
, USP
, psc
from the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps (SLAC) (Then Major) and Col A.F. Lafir, PWV
, RWP, RSP
, (posthumous) (Then Lieutenant). Subsequently with the formation of the Special Service Group (SSG) the Combat Tracker Team becomes the reconnaissance element of the SSG. Later as the SSG concept failed to materialized, the Combat Tracker Team changes its name as Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) (Special Force) and operated independently. With the massive successful results of the RDF it was gradually expanded to 04 squadrons. In December 1988 the RDF (SF) was officially designated as 1 st Regiment Special Forces. At present the Special Forces consist of a Regimental Centre, SF Brigade, Training School, 3 Battalions and Regimental Headquarter Battalion –Special Forces. Pakistan Army
's Special Services Group
has also been training Sri Lankan Special Forces Since 1986.
personnel and Sri Lanka Air Force Regiment Special Force
.
All SF personnel(regardless of their rank) have to undergo a refresher course (lasting one month) every year. There are no permanent members of SF, an individual will serve as long as he can live up to the set standards. Once declared unfit for their specialized duties, soldiers will be posted out of Special Forces.
Four Sharp Arrows- Placed on the background of the insignia and pointing to either side, depict the regiments basic concept of a 4 – man team and its capability of deep penetration(LRRP) in to enemy territory and operating in small groups whose skills and have been sharpened as and arrows head. Placing them crossing each other is intended to give the idea of combined strength and mutual support within as well as with other forces in all types of operation.
Col Jayavi Fernando WWV RWP RSP
Col Fazly Lafir PWV WWV RWP RSP
LT COL Channa Waduge WWV RWP RSP
Major Rohan Wijesinghe
Major Ajith Perera
Major General Mahesh Senanayaka WWV RWP RSP
Major General Presanna Silva WWV RWP RSP
Brig Sarath Abewer RWP RSP
Col Jayantha Ratnayaka RWP RSP
Lt COL Dharshana Rathnayaka RWP RSP
Major Upul Wirasinghe RSP
COL Harendra Ranasinghe RWP RSP
Major Dhammi Hewage RWP RSP
LT COL Sujeewa Yapa RWP RSP
Major Nalaka Silva RWP RSP
Lt COL Kalum Perera RWP RSP
LT COL Vipula Ihelage RWP RSP
LT Col Nishanka Iriyagama RWP RSP
LT Col Chandimal Piries RWP RSP
LT COL Mahinda Ranasinghe RWP RSP
LT COL Thushara Mahalekam RWP RSP
LT COL Presanna Wijesuriya RWP RSP
Major Kanchanna Weerasekara
Major Piyal Munasinghe
Major Presad Randunu
Major Kamal Amerasinghe
Major Keveen Perera
Special forces
Special forces, or special operations forces are terms used to describe elite military tactical teams trained to perform high-risk dangerous missions that conventional units cannot perform...
unit of the Sri Lanka Army. This Regiment is specialized in hard-hitting shock action. The Special Forces Regiment has the distinction of taking part in almost all major offensives conducted by the Army since 1986. Their motto is “Determined, Dared, and Done”. The four arrows in their cap cadge depict the four-man team regularly used for covert strikes and its deep penetration capabilities.
The SF forms the Special Forces Brigade of the Sri Lanka Army. This force is similar to the United States Army Special Forces
United States Army Special Forces
The United States Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets because of their distinctive service headgear, are a special operations force tasked with six primary missions: unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, direct action, hostage rescue, and...
("Green Berets").
History
The Sri Lanka Army Special Forces evolved from organization initially known as “Combat Tracker Team”. This group at the inception in 1985 had two Officers and 38 men and was to be tasked to carry out small group operations which have capability of operating deep in enemy territory against LTTE terrorism in time of war. This Combat Tracker Team led by the dedicated and devoted leadership of Maj Gen (retired) G. Hettiarachchi, WWVWWV
WWV is the call sign of the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology's HF radio station in Fort Collins, Colorado. WWV continuously transmits official U.S. Government frequency and time signals on 2.5, 5, 10, 15 and 20 MHz...
, RWP, RSP
RSP
-Music:* RSP , a Japanese hip-hop and R&B group* Rubber Soul Project, a Serbian rock music band-Computers and technology:* Remote Serial Port, an extension to the Telnet protocol* Reality signal processor, a component of the Nintendo 64...
, USP
Uttama Seva Padakkama
The Uttama Seva Padakkama is presented to all ranks of the Regular Forces of the Sri Lankan military for valuable service and dedication to duty with the outstanding ability, merit and excellent conduct, given that they count not less than 15 years continuous and uninterrupted service and possess...
, psc
Psc
psc were the initials which appeared in the service lists denoting that a British Army officer had attended the Staff College, Camberley or, prior to 1956 and Pakistani independence, the Command and Staff College, Quetta...
from the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps (SLAC) (Then Major) and Col A.F. Lafir, PWV
PWV
The PWV Megalopolis is the term referring to the contiguous urban centres adjoining each otherin the South African province of Gauteng...
, RWP, RSP
RSP
-Music:* RSP , a Japanese hip-hop and R&B group* Rubber Soul Project, a Serbian rock music band-Computers and technology:* Remote Serial Port, an extension to the Telnet protocol* Reality signal processor, a component of the Nintendo 64...
, (posthumous) (Then Lieutenant). Subsequently with the formation of the Special Service Group (SSG) the Combat Tracker Team becomes the reconnaissance element of the SSG. Later as the SSG concept failed to materialized, the Combat Tracker Team changes its name as Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) (Special Force) and operated independently. With the massive successful results of the RDF it was gradually expanded to 04 squadrons. In December 1988 the RDF (SF) was officially designated as 1 st Regiment Special Forces. At present the Special Forces consist of a Regimental Centre, SF Brigade, Training School, 3 Battalions and Regimental Headquarter Battalion –Special Forces. Pakistan Army
Pakistan Army
The Pakistan Army is the branch of the Pakistani Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The Pakistan Army came into existence after the Partition of India and the resulting independence of Pakistan in 1947. It is currently headed by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The Pakistan...
's Special Services Group
Special Services Group
The Special Service Group , also known as Black Storks, because of their distinctive headgear, the unit is also known as Maroon Beret, are a special operations military unit of the Pakistan Army mandated with fourteen primary and special missions: Asymmetric warfare,Anti piracy,Special...
has also been training Sri Lankan Special Forces Since 1986.
Function
Current SF roles are believed to include:- IntelligenceIntelligence (information gathering)Intelligence assessment is the development of forecasts of behaviour or recommended courses of action to the leadership of an organization, based on a wide range of available information sources both overt and covert. Assessments are developed in response to requirements declared by the leadership...
collection in the deep battle-space. - Battle-space preparation by sabotage and offensive raiding in the medium and deep battle-space([LRRP/LRP] missions).
- Counter Terrorism operations
- Conducting unconventional warfare and special Ops in remote, urban or rural environment, both overt and covert.
- Rapid deployment force to meet unforeseen circumstances.
Joining the SF
Passing selection training to join the Sri Lankan Army Special Forces is extremely tough, but the regiment does not aim to break the men or shatter their morale, what it wants recruits who can think ahead with initiative and a strong drive of determination to accomplish mission objectives. To this end the regiment has devised a very thorough shifting process, one that ensures that only the right men and highest quality applicants are selected. Training is punishing to ensure that the Sri Lankan Army Special Forces Regiment remains a high quality revolutionary outfit in the country.Training
Special Forces Training School was established on 15 th February 1992 and it is conducting the basic and specialized training for all Special Forces personnel. It also conducts special courses to train instructors from other battalions in the Army and has also helped to train Navy Special Boat SquadronSpecial Boat Squadron
The Special Boat Squadron is the Sri Lanka Navy's elite special forces unit. It forms part of the Sri Lanka Special Forces, alongside the Commando Regiment , Special Forces Regiment, and SLAF Special Forces...
personnel and Sri Lanka Air Force Regiment Special Force
Sri Lanka Air Force Regiment Special Force
Regiment Special Force is an elite Special Forces unit of the Sri Lanka Air Force, part of the SLAF Regiment. This was formerly Air Base Defence Rescue Squadron established on 7 July 2003...
.
All SF personnel(regardless of their rank) have to undergo a refresher course (lasting one month) every year. There are no permanent members of SF, an individual will serve as long as he can live up to the set standards. Once declared unfit for their specialized duties, soldiers will be posted out of Special Forces.
Units
- 1st Regiment Special Forces, has a Combat Rider Squadron which consist of highly trained Special Forces soldiers who are mounted on motorcycles with cross country capability. They are proved to be forces to reckon-with, due to their quick reaction capability.
- 2nd Regiment Special Forces, was initially raised on 1994 with 3 Squadrons. Today it is a fully fledged battalion with 04 fighting squadrons. Its has a diving Team with assault boats and consisting of highly trained divers specialized in beach reconnaissance, surveillance and limited strike ops closer to beaches, and also under water demolition capabilities.
- 3rd Regiment Special Forces, which was established on 1996 as a Sea borne/combat diving force has now been tasked to operate on the ground role as another SF battalion as that role has been taken up by Special Boat Squadron of the Sri Lanka Navy. Today the 3rd Battalion Special Forces conducts special missions.
- 4th Regiment Special Forces,which was established on 2008.
- 5th Regiment Special Forces,which was established on 2009.
Insignia
The insignia depicts Eagle has been regarded as symbol of courage and warlike qualities, a sing qua non for any member of the Special Forces. The superior imposition of the eagle indicated the ability the unit of scooping towards its prey. It is well equipped for its task with its hooked beak. Wonderful keen eyes help to locate the target, powerful wings help to rush to the target, curved talons help to grab the target and hooked bear help to destroy the target. All those magnificently adapted to its requirements.Recipient of the Parama Weera Vibhushanaya
- ColonelColonelColonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
A.F. Lafir PWVPWVThe PWV Megalopolis is the term referring to the contiguous urban centres adjoining each otherin the South African province of Gauteng...
, RWP, RSPRSP-Music:* RSP , a Japanese hip-hop and R&B group* Rubber Soul Project, a Serbian rock music band-Computers and technology:* Remote Serial Port, an extension to the Telnet protocol* Reality signal processor, a component of the Nintendo 64...
- Former Commanding Officer of the 1st Regiment Special Forces
Notable members
- Major GeneralMajor GeneralMajor general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
G. Hettiarachchi, WWVWWVWWV is the call sign of the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology's HF radio station in Fort Collins, Colorado. WWV continuously transmits official U.S. Government frequency and time signals on 2.5, 5, 10, 15 and 20 MHz...
, RWP, RSPRSP-Music:* RSP , a Japanese hip-hop and R&B group* Rubber Soul Project, a Serbian rock music band-Computers and technology:* Remote Serial Port, an extension to the Telnet protocol* Reality signal processor, a component of the Nintendo 64...
, USPUttama Seva PadakkamaThe Uttama Seva Padakkama is presented to all ranks of the Regular Forces of the Sri Lankan military for valuable service and dedication to duty with the outstanding ability, merit and excellent conduct, given that they count not less than 15 years continuous and uninterrupted service and possess...
, SLAC- Father of Sri Lanka Army Special Forces.
- ColonelColonelColonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
A.F. Lafir PWVPWVThe PWV Megalopolis is the term referring to the contiguous urban centres adjoining each otherin the South African province of Gauteng...
, RWP, RSPRSP-Music:* RSP , a Japanese hip-hop and R&B group* Rubber Soul Project, a Serbian rock music band-Computers and technology:* Remote Serial Port, an extension to the Telnet protocol* Reality signal processor, a component of the Nintendo 64...
- Former Commanding Officer of the 1st Regiment Special Forces
- Lieutenant ColonelLieutenant colonelLieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
J.A.L JayasingheLalith JayasingheLieutenant Colonel J.A.L Jayasinghe WWV, RWP, RSP, SF was an officer of the Special Forces Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army who was twice decorated with the Weera Wickrama Vibhushanaya the second highest award for combat bravery in the Sri Lankan Armed Forces...
, WWVWWVWWV is the call sign of the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology's HF radio station in Fort Collins, Colorado. WWV continuously transmits official U.S. Government frequency and time signals on 2.5, 5, 10, 15 and 20 MHz...
, RWP, RSPRSP-Music:* RSP , a Japanese hip-hop and R&B group* Rubber Soul Project, a Serbian rock music band-Computers and technology:* Remote Serial Port, an extension to the Telnet protocol* Reality signal processor, a component of the Nintendo 64...
- Former Officer Commanding of M Sqn, 3rd Regiment Special Forces .
Order of precedence
Col Raj Vijesiri WWV RWP RSP Founder of the LRP concept To Special Forces.Col Jayavi Fernando WWV RWP RSP
Col Fazly Lafir PWV WWV RWP RSP
LT COL Channa Waduge WWV RWP RSP
Major Rohan Wijesinghe
Major Ajith Perera
Major General Mahesh Senanayaka WWV RWP RSP
Major General Presanna Silva WWV RWP RSP
Brig Sarath Abewer RWP RSP
Col Jayantha Ratnayaka RWP RSP
Lt COL Dharshana Rathnayaka RWP RSP
Major Upul Wirasinghe RSP
COL Harendra Ranasinghe RWP RSP
Major Dhammi Hewage RWP RSP
LT COL Sujeewa Yapa RWP RSP
Major Nalaka Silva RWP RSP
Lt COL Kalum Perera RWP RSP
LT COL Vipula Ihelage RWP RSP
LT Col Nishanka Iriyagama RWP RSP
LT Col Chandimal Piries RWP RSP
LT COL Mahinda Ranasinghe RWP RSP
LT COL Thushara Mahalekam RWP RSP
LT COL Presanna Wijesuriya RWP RSP
Major Kanchanna Weerasekara
Major Piyal Munasinghe
Major Presad Randunu
Major Kamal Amerasinghe
Major Keveen Perera
Further reading
- The Perfect Soldier: Special Operations, Commandos, and the Future of U.S. Warfare by James F. Dunnigan
See also
- Military of Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Army
- Military ranks and insignia of the Sri Lanka ArmyMilitary ranks and insignia of the Sri Lanka ArmyThe following tables present the military ranks and insignia of the Sri Lanka Army. These ranks generally correspond with those of Western or Commonwealth Nations militaries, and reflect those of the British Warrant Officer, Non Commissioned Officer and enlisted ranks and the Commissioned officer...
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- Sri Lanka Air Force Regiment Special ForceSri Lanka Air Force Regiment Special ForceRegiment Special Force is an elite Special Forces unit of the Sri Lanka Air Force, part of the SLAF Regiment. This was formerly Air Base Defence Rescue Squadron established on 7 July 2003...
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