Gajaba Regiment
| Gajaba Regiment | |
|---|---|
| Active | October 14, 1983 - Present |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Branch | Sri Lanka Army |
| Type | Rifles |
| Role | Infantry/Light Role |
| Size | 22 battalions |
| Regimental Centre | Saliyapura Camp, Anuradhapura. |
| Nickname(s) | Keterians (Battle Axes) |
| Motto | ‘Samagiya Shakthiyai' (Unity is Strength) |
| Colors | Light green |
| Anniversaries | 14 October (Regimental day) |
| Engagements |
Sri Lankan Civil War, United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti |
| Decorations | 2 Parama Weera Vibhushanayas |
| Commanders | |
| Centre Commandant | Brigadier WMJRK Senarathna |
| Colonel of the Regiment | Maj Gen Lalith Daulagala, RSP, USP, ndu |
| Notable commanders | Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne RWP, RSP, VSP, USP, GR † |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol | "GAJABA" shoulder tab |
The Gajaba Regiment (GR) was formed when 1st Battalion the Rajarata Rifles and 1st Battalion the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment were amalgamated in 1983 to counter the threat from the LTTE. It is made up of six regular battalions and five volunteer battalions. Headquartered at Saliyapura Camp, Anuradhapura. It is named after a Sri Lankan famous warrior King Gajabahu the First.
History
The 1st battalion of the Regiment was formed on 14 October 1983 with the amalgamation of the Rajarata Rifles and Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, under the command of Lt. Col. (later Major General) Vijaya Wimalaratne at Saliyapura Camp. The Cap badge of the Gajaba Regiment is designed with a shield, two Keteri (battle axes) and a Kandian powder flask. The regiment rapidly expanded due to the Sri Lankan Civil War, during which 3,500 officers and men of the regiment were killed.[1]
The regiment was awarded President's Colours by H.E. President Mahinda Rajapakse on 11 January 2007. In 2008 a detachment from the regiment was sent to take part in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti.[2]
Units
Regular Army
- 1st Gajaba Battalion
- 3rd Gajaba Battalion
- 6th Gajaba Battalion
- 8th Gajaba Battalion
- 9th Gajaba Battalion
- 10th Gajaba Battalion
- 12th Gajaba Battalion
- 14th Gajaba Battalion
- 16th Gajaba Battalion
- 20th Gajaba Battalion
- 21st Gajaba Battalion
- 22nd Gajaba Battalion
- 23rd Gajaba Battalion
24th Gajaba Battalion 26th Gajaba Battalion 27th Gajaba Battalion [3]
Volunteers
- 2nd(v) Gajaba Battalion
- 5th(v) Gajaba Battalion
- 7th(v) Gajaba Battalion
- 11th(v) Gajaba Battalion
- 15th(v) Gajaba Battalion
- 17th(v) Gajaba Battalion
- 18th(v) Gajaba Battalion
- 19th(v) Gajaba Battalion
Recipient of the Parama Weera Vibhushanaya
Notable members
- Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne, RWP, RSP, VSP, USP, GR † - Commander Security Forces Headquarters Jaffna (SF HQ (J)) & One of the greatest generals in modern Sri Lanka
- Major General Jagath Dias WWV RWP RSP USP ncd, GR - GOC 57th division in Eelam war IV & currently the Adjutant General of Sri Lanka Army.
- Major General Shavendra Silva, GR - GOC 58th division in Eelam war IV & the Director General Operations of the Sri Lanka Army
- Major General Kamal Gunerathna, GR - GOC 53rd division in Eelam war IV & currently commander of Security Forces Headquarters-Wanni
- Lieutenant Colonel Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, RWP, RSP, GR - Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law & Order
- Major General Seevali Wanigasekara RWP, RSP VSV, USP, psc,
Order of precedence
| Preceded by Gemunu Watch |
Order of Precedence | Succeeded by Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment |
See also
References
- ↑ Gajaba Regiment Silver Jubile
- ↑ Tenth UN Peace Keeping Contingent to Leave Soo
- ↑ 22 Gajaba Regiment Commences Functioning
External links and sources
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