Gajaba Regiment

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name=Gajaba Regiment


caption=Cap badge of the Gajaba Regiment
dates= October 14, 1983 - Present
country=Sri Lanka
branch=Sri Lanka Army
type=Rifles
command_structure=
role=Infantry/Light Role
size= 11 battalions
current_commander= Lt Col A.W.M.A.W.N. Ranawana RWP, RSP, psc, GR (Offtg)
current_commander_label=Centre Commandant
garrison= Saliyapura Camp, Anuradhapura.
garrison_label=Regimental Centre
ceremonial_chief=
ceremonial_chief_label=
colonel_of_the_regiment=Maj Gen U.B.L. Fernando RWP, RSP, ndu, psc, GW
nickname=
motto=‘Samagiya Shakthiyai' (Unity is Strength)
colors=Light green
identification_symbol="GAJABA" shoulder tab
identification_symbol_label=
identification_symbol_2=
march=
mascot=
battles=Sri Lankan Civil War
notable_commanders=Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne RWP,RSP,VSP,USP,GRKIA
anniversaries=14 October (Regimental day)
decorations= 2 Parama Weera Vibhushanayas

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 regiments, five volunteer regiments. 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 Battle Axes (Keteri) and a powder flask. The Regiment rapidly expanded due to the Sri Lankan Civil War

The regiment was awarded President's Colours by H.E. President Mahinda Rajapakse on 11 January 2007.

Units

Regular Army

*1st Gajaba Regiment
*3rd Gajaba Regiment
*4th Gajaba Regiment
*6th Gajaba Regiment
*8th Gajaba Regiment
*10th Gajaba Regiment

Volunteers

*2nd(v) Gajaba Regiment
*5th(v) Gajaba Regiment
*7th(v) Gajaba Regiment
*11th(v) Gajaba Regiment
*15th(v) Gajaba Regiment

Recipient of the Parama Weera Vibhushanaya

*Second Lieutenant K. W. T. Nissanka KIA
*Warrant Officer 2nd Class H.B. Pasan Gunasekera KIA

Notable members

*Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne RWP,RSP,VSP,USP,GR KIA - Commander Security Forces Headquarters Jaffna (SF HQ (J)) & One of the greatest generals in modern Sri Lanka

Order of Precedence

ee also

* Sri Lanka Army

External links and sources

* [http://www.army.lk Sri Lanka Army]
* [http://www.army.lk/regiment_regular_07.php Gajaba Regiment]

References