- Gemunu Watch
Infobox Military Unit
unit_name=Gemunu Watch
caption=Cap badge of the Gemunu Watch
dates=December 7 ,1962 - Present
country=Sri Lanka
branch=Sri Lanka Army
type=Line Infantry
command_structure=
role=Infantry
size= 13 battalions
current_commander= Col J.C.P. PaksaweeraRSP
current_commander_label=Centre Commandant
garrison=Kuruwitha Army camp,Ratnapura .
garrison_label=Regimental Centre
ceremonial_chief=
ceremonial_chief_label=
colonel_of_the_regiment=Maj Gen L.B.R. MarkRSP ,USP
nickname=
motto=“Maniwatta Abhikkama”-Pali (Do not tarry, Go forward)
colors=
identification_symbol=
identification_symbol_label=
identification_symbol_2=
march=
mascot=
battles=1971 JVP Insurrection,Sri Lankan Civil War
notable_commanders=Lt GenParami Kulatunga RSP ,USP , GW
anniversaries=December 7 (Regimental day)The Gemunu Watch (GW) was formed with troops from the
Sri Lanka Light Infantry and theSri Lanka Sinha Regiment 1962. It has been deployed in many major operations against theLTTE terrorists. It is made up of 9 regular units, 4 volunteer units. Headquartered at Kuruwitha Army camp,Ratnapura . It is named after one of the most famous Lankan Kings,King Dutthagamani .History
The regiment was formed in December 7 1962
Diyatalawa at HMS Uva Camp that was till then used as a holiday station by theRoyal Navy . Troops from the 1st battalions of the CLI and CSR from the core of the new regiment with world war 2 veteran Lt. Col. (later Brigadier) J.F. Halangode as Commanding Officer. Shortly 2 volunteer units ever formed the 2nd (V) Gemunu Watch inGalle and the 3rd(V) Gemunu Watch inMatara . Soon after it was deployed in Mannar sector on TAFII (Task Force Anti-Illicit Immigration) duties in early 1963 and later in the Jaffna sector too.During the 1971 JVP Insurrection the 1st Gemunu Watch was the first unit to be deployed to counter it in Wellawaya, while the volunteer units were deployed in counter-insurgency operations in Galle and Matara.
The regiment was awarded President's and Regimental
Colours by H.E. PresidentJ.R. Jayawardena on August 15 1980, inGalle .Gemunu Watch units continue to play a pivotal role in the
Sri Lankan Civil War . Notably during theVadamarachchi Operation in 1987 when the 1st Gemunu Watch was apart of the 1st Brigade group that lead the way during the operation. In July 1991, 5th and 6th Gemunu Watch were part of the two Brigades that carried out a amphibious landing duringOperation Balavegaya to successfully break the siege of Elephant Pass by theLTTE terrorists. In July 1995 4th Gemunu Watch successfully defeated an LTTE attack on a Weli-oya settlement in the North-East of Sri Lanka, killing over 350 LTTE cadres.Units
Regular Army
*1st/9ht Gemunu Watch
*4th/12ht Gemunu Watch
*5th/7th Gemunu Watch
*6th/8th Gemunu Watch
*11th Gemunu Watch
*HQ BN Gemunu WatchVolunteers
*2nd(v) Gemunu Watch
*3rd(v) Gemunu Watch
*10th(v) Gemunu Watch
*14th(v) Gemunu Watch
*15th(v) Gemunu WatchNotable members
*
Lieutenant General Parami Kulatunga RSP ,USP , GW KIA - Former Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army
*Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne RWP ,RSP ,VSP ,USP ,GRKIA- Was transferred to theGajaba Regiment as its 1st commanding officer when it was formed.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_06.php Gemunu Watch]
* [http://www.friday.lk/20071207/News.htm 45th Anniversary of Gemunu Watch]References
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