Gemunu Watch
Encyclopedia
The Gemunu Watch ("King Dutugemunu's Own") was formed with troops from the Ceylon Light Infantry
and the Ceylon Sinha Regiment
in 1962. It has been deployed in many major operations against the LTTE. It is made up of 9 regular units and 4 volunteer
units. Headquartered at Kuruwita Army Camp
, Ratnapura
. It is named after one of the most famous Lankan Kings, King
Dutugemunu.
at HMCyS Rangalla (former HMS Uva Camp) that had been used as a holiday station by the Royal Navy
prier to its transfer to the Royal Ceylon Navy. The regiment was formed as part of the reorganization of the army and rest of the armed services following the attempted military coup
early that year, Troops from the 1st battalions of the CLI
and CSR
formed the core of the new regiment with World War II
veteran Lt. Col. (later Brigadier) J.F. Halangode as Commanding Officer. It was the third infantry regiment of the army.
Shortly 2 volunteer
units ever formed the 2nd (V) Gemunu Watch in Galle
and the 3rd(V) Gemunu Watch in Matara
. These were made up of troops form the Ruhunu Regiment
that was disband in 1956 and supplemented by officers of the CSR, who had established a new voluntee unit as the 1st Battalion Gemunu Regiment.
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. President J.R. Jayawardena on August 15, 1980, in Galle
.
Gemunu Watch units played a pivotal role in the Sri Lankan Civil War
. Notably during the Vadamarachchi 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 an amphibious landing during Operation Balavegaya
to successfully break the siege of Elephant Pass
by the LTTE 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.
In October 1995 Operation Riviresa
was launched to liberate the Jaffna peninsular where the 7th Gemunu Watch played a major role in the recapture of Jaffna Fort, Chavakachcheri, Point Pedro and VVT. In all 1GW, 5GW, 6GW, 8GW and 9GW were involved in the Operation Riviresa. 6GW, 7GW and 9GW were involved in the Operation Sathjaya and GW, 4GW, 5GW, 8GW and 11 GW tool part in the Operation Jayasikurui
. Many Gemunu Watch units were involved in the operations in the East and Wanni regions during the last stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War
in 2007 and 2008.
Sri Lanka Light Infantry
The Sri Lanka Light Infantry is the oldest regiment in the Sri Lanka Army and the oldest infantry regiment in the army. It is made up of ten regular battalions, five volunteer battalions. Headquartered at Panagoda Cantonment, Panagoda...
and the Ceylon Sinha Regiment
Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment
The Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment is the first rifle regiment in the Sri Lanka Army and the second oldest infantry regiment in the army. It is made up of seven regular battalions, five volunteer battalions and a headquarter battalion...
in 1962. It has been deployed in many major operations against the LTTE. It is made up of 9 regular units and 4 volunteer
Military reserve force
A military reserve force is a military organization composed of citizens of a country who combine a military role or career with a civilian career. They are not normally kept under arms and their main role is to be available to fight when a nation mobilizes for total war or to defend against invasion...
units. Headquartered at Kuruwita Army Camp
Kuruwita Army Camp
Kuruwitha Army Camp is a military base located in Kuruwita close to the town of Ratnapura in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. It serves as the regimental headquarters of the Gemunu Watch of Sri Lanka Army....
, Ratnapura
Ratnapura
- Floods :The town of Ratnapura is situated in the flooding plain of the river Kalu. The town experiences regular floods usually in the month of May. There is no large dam across the Kalu, so this leaves the city at the mercy of nature's forces every year. Several proposals have been made to reduce...
. It is named after one of the most famous Lankan Kings, King
King
- Centers of population :* King, Ontario, CanadaIn USA:* King, Indiana* King, North Carolina* King, Lincoln County, Wisconsin* King, Waupaca County, Wisconsin* King County, Washington- Moving-image works :Television:...
Dutugemunu.
History
The regiment was formed on December 7, 1962, in DiyatalawaDiyatalawa
Diyatalawa is a garrison town in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, in the Badulla District of Uva Province. It is at an altitude of and has become a popular destination for local holiday makers...
at HMCyS Rangalla (former HMS Uva Camp) that had been used as a holiday station by the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
prier to its transfer to the Royal Ceylon Navy. The regiment was formed as part of the reorganization of the army and rest of the armed services following the attempted military coup
Attempted military coup in Ceylon, 1962
The 1962 Ceylonese coup d'état attempt was a failed military coup planned in Sri Lanka . Several Christian senior military and policy officers planned to topple the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Mrs...
early that year, Troops from the 1st battalions of the CLI
Sri Lanka Light Infantry
The Sri Lanka Light Infantry is the oldest regiment in the Sri Lanka Army and the oldest infantry regiment in the army. It is made up of ten regular battalions, five volunteer battalions. Headquartered at Panagoda Cantonment, Panagoda...
and CSR
Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment
The Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment is the first rifle regiment in the Sri Lanka Army and the second oldest infantry regiment in the army. It is made up of seven regular battalions, five volunteer battalions and a headquarter battalion...
formed the core of the new regiment with World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
veteran Lt. Col. (later Brigadier) J.F. Halangode as Commanding Officer. It was the third infantry regiment of the army.
Shortly 2 volunteer
Military reserve force
A military reserve force is a military organization composed of citizens of a country who combine a military role or career with a civilian career. They are not normally kept under arms and their main role is to be available to fight when a nation mobilizes for total war or to defend against invasion...
units ever formed the 2nd (V) Gemunu Watch in Galle
Galle
Galle is a city situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo. Galle is the capital city of Southern Province of Sri Lanka and it lies in Galle District....
and the 3rd(V) Gemunu Watch in Matara
Matara, Sri Lanka
Matara is a city on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, 160 km from Colombo. It is one of the largest cities in Sri Lanka. It was deeply affected by the Asian tsunami in December 2004.-History:...
. These were made up of troops form the Ruhunu Regiment
Ruhunu Regiment
The Ruhunu Regiment was a former Military reserve force of the Ceylon Army. The regiment was raised in 1954 in Galle with a detachment in Matara. It was disbanded in 1956 when S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike became prime minister as he considered the unit to be loyal to the opposition. Its personnel made up...
that was disband in 1956 and supplemented by officers of the CSR, who had established a new voluntee unit as the 1st Battalion Gemunu Regiment.
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. President J.R. Jayawardena on August 15, 1980, in Galle
Galle
Galle is a city situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo. Galle is the capital city of Southern Province of Sri Lanka and it lies in Galle District....
.
Gemunu Watch units played a pivotal role in the Sri Lankan Civil War
Sri Lankan civil war
The Sri Lankan Civil War was a conflict fought on the island of Sri Lanka. Beginning on July 23, 1983, there was an on-and-off insurgency against the government by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam , a separatist militant organization which fought to create an independent Tamil state named Tamil...
. Notably during the Vadamarachchi Operation
Vadamarachchi Operation
The Operation Liberation or Vadamarachchi Operation, the military offensive carried out by the Sri Lankan military during May to June 1987, to re-gain the territory of Vadamarachchi in Jaffna peninsula from the LTTE control...
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 an amphibious landing during Operation Balavegaya
Operation Balavegaya
Operation Balavegaya was a combined military operation launched by the Sri Lankan Military in Jaffna. It was the largest amphibious assault launched by the Sri Lankan Military in its history. Operation Balavegaya was launched in response to siege of Elephant Pass by the LTTE terrorists...
to successfully break the siege of Elephant Pass
First Battle of Elephant Pass
The First Battle of Elephant Pass was a battle fought in July 1991 for the control of the Sri Lankan military base of Elephant Pass, which was of strategic importance as it linked the northern mainland known as Wanni with the Jaffna Peninsula.-The battle:...
by the LTTE 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.
In October 1995 Operation Riviresa
Operation Riviresa
Operation Riviresa , was a combined military operation launched by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces in Jaffna. Starting on the 17 October 1995, the primary objective of the operation was the capture of the town of Jaffna and rest of the Jaffna peninsula from the LTTE...
was launched to liberate the Jaffna peninsular where the 7th Gemunu Watch played a major role in the recapture of Jaffna Fort, Chavakachcheri, Point Pedro and VVT. In all 1GW, 5GW, 6GW, 8GW and 9GW were involved in the Operation Riviresa. 6GW, 7GW and 9GW were involved in the Operation Sathjaya and GW, 4GW, 5GW, 8GW and 11 GW tool part in the Operation Jayasikurui
Operation Jayasikurui
Operation Jayasikurui , was a Sri Lankan military action launched on May 13, 1997; it lasted until it was called off in 1999...
. Many Gemunu Watch units were involved in the operations in the East and Wanni regions during the last stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War
Sri Lankan civil war
The Sri Lankan Civil War was a conflict fought on the island of Sri Lanka. Beginning on July 23, 1983, there was an on-and-off insurgency against the government by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam , a separatist militant organization which fought to create an independent Tamil state named Tamil...
in 2007 and 2008.
Regular army
- 1st Gemunu Watch
- 4th Gemunu Watch
- 5th Gemunu Watch
- 6th Gemunu Watch
- 7th Gemunu Watch
- 8th Gemunu Watch
- 9th Gemunu Watch
- 11th Gemunu Watch
- 12th Gemunu Watch
- 17th Gemunu Watch
- 18th gemunu Watch
- 19th Gemunu watch
- 23rd gemunu watch
- 24th bn the gemunu watch
- HQ BN Gemunu Watch
Volunteers
- 2nd(v) Gemunu Watch
- 3rd(v) Gemunu Watch
- 10th(v) Gemunu Watch
- 14th(v) Gemunu Watch
- 15th(v) Gemunu Watch
Notable members
- GeneralGeneralA general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given....
T. I. Weerathunga, VSVVishista Seva VibhushanayaThe Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya medal and bar are presented to Sri Lankan senior military officers of three services, given that their loyal service is of not less than 25 years and possess a perfectly flawless record of moral and military conduct, will be appropriate for the award...
, GW - Former Commander of the ArmyCommander of the Army (Sri Lanka)Commander of the Army is the title of the professional head of the Sri Lanka Army. The current Commander of the Army is Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya...
& High Commissioner to Canada - GeneralGeneralA general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given....
G.H. De Silva, RWPRana Wickrama PadakkamaThe Rana Wickrama Padakkama medal and bar are presented to Sri Lankan military officers and other ranks as a reward for individual or allied acts of heroism in facing the enemy and performed of their own accord.-How medal awarded:It is ordained that the decoration shall be granted to all ranks of...
, VSVVishista Seva VibhushanayaThe Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya medal and bar are presented to Sri Lankan senior military officers of three services, given that their loyal service is of not less than 25 years and possess a perfectly flawless record of moral and military conduct, will be appropriate for the award...
, 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...
, GW - Former Commander of the ArmyCommander of the Army (Sri Lanka)Commander of the Army is the title of the professional head of the Sri Lanka Army. The current Commander of the Army is Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya...
& High Commissioner to Pakistan - Lieutenant GeneralLieutenant GeneralLieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General....
Parami KulatungaParami KulatungaLieutenant General Parami Sugandika Bandara Kulatunga RSP, VSV, USP, GW was Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, its third highest ranking officer....
, 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...
, GW - Former Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army - 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...
Vijaya WimalaratneVijaya WimalaratneMajor General Vijaya Wimalaratne RWP, RSP, VSV, USP, psc, GR was a Sri Lankan army officer and one of the most distinguished generals in Sri Lanka.-Education:...
, 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...
, VSPVSPVSP is a three letter acronym for:*Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians, a noise warning system for electric vehicles developed by Nissan*Vertical seismic profile *V. S...
, 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...
, GR- Was transferred to the Gajaba RegimentGajaba RegimentThe Gajaba Regiment 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...
as its 1st commanding officer when it was formed. - 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...
Lalin T Fernando - former Commander Security Forces Headquarters - JaffnaSecurity Forces Headquarters - JaffnaSecurity Forces Headquarters - Jaffna is a regional command of the Sri Lanka Army, that is responsible for the operational deployment and command all army units stationed in and around the Jaffna Peninsula in the Northern Province, this includes several divisions and the independent brigades...
(SF HQ (J)) - BrigadierBrigadierBrigadier is a senior military rank, the meaning of which is somewhat different in different military services. The brigadier rank is generally superior to the rank of colonel, and subordinate to major general....
John F. Halangode, GW - first commanding officer & Commander Colombo Force - BrigadierBrigadierBrigadier is a senior military rank, the meaning of which is somewhat different in different military services. The brigadier rank is generally superior to the rank of colonel, and subordinate to major general....
Hiran Halangode, 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...
, GW - Brigade Commander, 12th Brigade and Air Mobile Brigade - BrigadierBrigadierBrigadier is a senior military rank, the meaning of which is somewhat different in different military services. The brigadier rank is generally superior to the rank of colonel, and subordinate to major general....
Rohitha Neil Akmeemana, 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...
, GW Brigade commander Elephant pass 2000, First commanding officer of the 9th battalion. - 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...
Srimal Mendis, RWP, GW - commanding officer, 1GW Gemunu Watch, KIA in Velvettiturai. - MajorMajorMajor is a rank of commissioned officer, with corresponding ranks existing in almost every military in the world.When used unhyphenated, in conjunction with no other indicator of rank, the term refers to the rank just senior to that of an Army captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel. ...
W Wimaladasa - Asian games (TehranTehranTehran , sometimes spelled Teheran, is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With an estimated population of 8,429,807; it is also Iran's largest urban area and city, one of the largest cities in Western Asia, and is the world's 19th largest city.In the 20th century, Tehran was subject to...
) 400 metres gold medalist. - 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...
Rohitha Wickramatilaka - commanding officer 4 Gemunu Watch.* - 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...
MAR Hamidon- 1stcommanding officer 23 Gemunu Watch.