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. Paksaweera RSP
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. Mark RSP, 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 Gen Parami Kulatunga RSP, USP, GW
anniversaries=December 7 (Regimental day)

The Gemunu Watch (GW) was formed with troops from the Sri Lanka Light Infantry and the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment 1962. It has been deployed in many major operations against the LTTE 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 the Royal 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 in Galle and the 3rd(V) Gemunu Watch in Matara. 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 continue to play 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 a 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.

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 Watch

Volunteers

*2nd(v) Gemunu Watch
*3rd(v) Gemunu Watch
*10th(v) Gemunu Watch
*14th(v) Gemunu Watch
*15th(v) Gemunu Watch

Notable 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 the Gajaba 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