1977
Requirement identified
Army leadership identified a need for a specialist unit.
Historical unit archive
Commando Regiment
Sri Lanka Army
An Army formation developed to provide specialist commando capabilities and undertake demanding assignments.
Historical note
Squadron formed in 1980
Photographic record
Images & memories
Background
Historical overview
The official Commando Regiment history says the need for a specialist Army unit was identified in 1977. Initial commando training began at Diyatalawa in February 1978, with personnel drawn from different Army corps and regiments.
The Commando Squadron was formed on 15 March 1980. The regiment subsequently developed its training establishment and expanded its specialist responsibilities.
The regiment's published history records participation in operations in the North and East, including the Vadamarachchi operation. The page should distinguish documented history from unverified accounts of particular missions.
Documented capabilities
Roles & responsibilities
- Specialist commando tasks
- Specialist training and unit development
- Selected airborne and other mission-specific capabilities
- Support to Army operations and other authorized duties
Historical milestones
A record through time
9 February 1978
Initial training course
The first commando training course began at Diyatalawa.
15 March 1980
Commando Squadron formed
The official unit history records the formation of the squadron.
15 March 1988
Training school established
The Commando Regiment Training School was established at Ganemulla.
Further reading
Sources & references
This page is a historical archive. Where records are incomplete or disputed, claims should be attributed to their sources and should not be presented as independently confirmed facts.