History Of VFTS

Page 1

History of Diyatalawa Based on Folklore.

Every second that passes is added to history. Incidents that have happened

in a place are added to its own history. Folklores are one of the key elements that

beautify the values of the same. Those folklores in a way the base of the history

and it is very important to go through those when it comes to a written

document. In documentation of the history of VFTS it is reasonable to know

about the Diyatalawa village where the camp is situated.

In Sinhala Diyatalawa means water plain. This delightful and attractive

village is situated approximately 1333 meters above the mean sea level in

Haputale divisional secretariat in Badulla district of Uva province. This area was

an unpopulated and wild animal were freely available. The ground was grown

with small trees. According to the folklores this nice valley was surrounded with

some range of mountains (Hillocks) which is called Black Rock (Kalu

Kanda.).During the British regime this village was popular as a fortress of

security forces. Diyatalawa was also known as the threshold (Door Step) of

security forces but no black and white proofs for it. From there onwards

Diyatalawa has been able to colourful the history of Sri Lanka.

The wild animals that lived in Diyatalawa became extinct due to the

hunting of British planters. In 18th Century Fr. Sammuell Langonand a Methodist

priest and his wife had come to Diyatalawa and leased out a land and had built an

elephant orphanage and a school. The orphanage was named after happy Valley.

Later on another Methodist priest Sammuell Langdon had come here and he had

also built a school where technical education was done and had built an

orphanage for people.

Apart from that building which had distinct features was called CLUB

HOUSE but it was not clear by whom and for what purpose this had been built.

When time goes on a building called mission house was used for religious

matters. Apart from these they have built a hospital. During this period

Diyatalawa was called as happy valley. They have taken the church close to POLO

grounds. This land became populated after developing the tea cultivation and of

the scenic beauty of the environment. Another important fact that found was

they had taken steps to evacuate people of western missionary from Diyatalawa

from April 1900 before Boers were taken.

During this period a ship called HMS FOX (Her Majesty Ship) that was

belong to her majesty the queen came to Ceylon and the passengers had made a

visit to this area. They were attracted by the climate of this area and they used

History Of VFTS

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the wording “salubrious climate” to introduce the climate here. For the

remembrance of their visit they had engraved HMS FOX the name of their ship on

the slope of Black Rock.

Even today people can witness the engraved HMS FOX 1913 on a slope of

the particular hillock. The crest consisted of a FOX apart from the name of the

ship and today people used to call this hillock as FOX HILL.

In present day Diyatalawa became more popular because of the fox hill. It

has become more and more popular among people because of the motor races

hold on a track called fox hill super cross. The particular motor races are given

that name because the track is built close to the hillock FOX HILL. The father of

this track is a German called Hans Ralf.

History of the Army camp Diyatalawa

It is obvious that while Britannia’s were ruling this country the forming up

of an Army camp in Diyatalawa was occurred on the requirement of the British

regime as a result of the social conflict that occurred in their motherland.

By this time nearly 14600 Boers who were descendents of Dutch’s had

come to Cape Town of Africa as wealthy and powerful rulers and had settled

down. They have enslaved Boers along the costal belt from Amsterdam south

Asia. When the British invade Cape Town of Africa they looted all the wealth of

Boers and they became slaves and prisoners of British. During this process in the

years of 1877 and 1899 there was big unrest among Bores. The Britannia’s took

them as prisoners and shipped to colonies of British.

While Britannia’s were in search of a place to detain prisoners the

governor of Ceylon evacuated the people of Wesllian missionary from Diyatalawa

area and ordered the engineer of public workers department to build a camp to

keep detainees.

By the end of year 1900 a huge camp was constructed in Diyatalawa to

keep nearly 2500 prisoners and 1000 guards within the area of five acres but

rapid increasing of the number of prisoners it had become a necessity of

expanding the area, the number of buildings, and made the accommodation for

5000 prisoners.

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When considering the facts relevant to the history, there had been a good

foundation locally and geographically to function as a camp and these evidences

say that prior to establishing the volunteer force training school there had been

an Army camp.

History of the Volunteer Force Training School.

When considering the facts related to this renowned camp the History of

the Volunteer Force Training School goes parallel to the history of Ceylon

volunteer force. There were a number of Army training schools all over the island

while Ceylon was a colony of British Empire. It goes as far as 1881. The first

training camp was functioned Uragasman Handiya in Galle District. This training

school was named as Uragasman Handiya camp where soldiers of volunteer

force trained. Colloquially this camp was called “Uragas” by the soldiers. Later

this camp was brought to Diyatalawa.

After departing of Boers this camp has been converted to a military

training school, this camp was broaden timely by training local and foreign

soldiers and conducted training for British soldiers keeping weekend camp here

instead of having the same in different parts of the Island.

Diyatalawa was a picturesque place for the trainees and it has all the

feature of a valley in South Africa. It may have the resemblance of a place in South

Africa. It is said that all trainees have come to Diyatalawa willingly and happily

even today foreigners used to visit this area to experience the feeling of the

climate. Britishes have embedded “welcome to the salubrious climate” at the gate

way to Bandarawela town. Even today these wordings can be seen in one

entrance to Bandarawela town.

Another important fact is after evacuating Boer prisoners the members of

volunteer force had used this premise for annual training.

The first training camp was conducted in the year 1903 and following units

have participated to it.

Ceylon Light Infantry

Ceylon Planters’ Rifle Corps

Ceylon Mounted Rifle Corps

Ceylon Medical Corps.

Ceylon Cadet Battalion

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Regular Officers of British and Indian

There is no clear evidence of facts who the past commandants were but

there was a farewell to one Colonel Ferguharson held in the year 1903 at

Diyatalawa volunteer camp and 25 officers 31 sergeants 29 corporals 24 lance

corporals 679 soldiers altogether 788 both officers and ORs had taken part to it

representing different regiments.

The Staff of the CVF camp were the combination of CMI, CPRC, CCI CAV and

a combination of British Army Regiments and Royal Navy. Lt Col Vincent was

then commandant.

Apart from the historical incidents and facts there was a regiment called

Golden Highlanders. The Officers who served CVF camp were wealthy people and

this camp consisted with an aristocratic level Officers’ Mess. The overall best

regiment was Warwickshire regiments and a number of sports such as cricket,

football, and Rugger were played at “Polo” ground. Then Lt Col Corse Scott acted

as O/C admin.

During the Boer war the regiments of HCL and Gloucester were established

here in CVF camp and they have done the farming. As well as during the world

war II Worcester regiment was also stationed at Diyatalawa. They had done

camp exercises (i.e. Single). They have selected Diyatalawa area for training since

the cool climate of this area was good for training. Until Sri Lanka gained

independence from British regime in 1948 Training of Volunteer Force Officers

and ORs were done parallel to Ceylon Defense force.

These facts confirm that both local and foreign troops were trained and the

memorials at VFTS premises and at 300m range give evidence for it.

The war memorial was named as ‘’PRO PATRIA MORI’’. The war heroes of

world war which was fought during the years of 1914 - 1918 and some members

of Ceylon Rifle Corps and Ceylon planters’ bodies are buried here and that

depicts the service of foreigners in Ceylon.

Followings were among the foreign war heroes.

Major - 01

Captains - 03

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Lieutenants - 02

Warrant Officer - 01

Sergeants - 04

Corporals - 04

Lance Corporals - 03

Bugle - 01

Riflemen - 59

In the memory of 78 war heroes “Greater love hath no man that man lay

down his life for his friend” saying was carved on the monument. The grand

and great grand relatives of war heroes still used to visit the war memorial which

is situated in the premises of VFTS.

Sri Lanka gained independence from British regime in 1948 and this

reconvened and historical camp is being utilized as an Army Camp Since 1949

after farming Ceylon Army on 10 Oct 1949.

[

The CDF camp renamed as Volunteer Force Training centre after gaining

the independence and committed for training the members of volunteer force

and Sri Lanka Cadet Corps. On 06 December 1956 this camp was declared

opened as a recruit training school by Hon DS Senanayake the first prime inister

of Sri Lanka. In 1993 all the members of volunteer force called to active service

and conducted training after the name of Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force

Training School.

On the above photograph the scene of inspecting parade which was

mounted in front of billet no 35 by Hon DS Senanayake on his visit to CVF Camp

on 06 Dec 1950 and the Scene of the present situation of a billet is on the

photograph shown below. The extreme right corner of the photograph is the war

memorial of World War II.

On the expansion of the Army to cater its man power requirement VFTS

had the Privilege to contribute by providing both male and female soldiers

specially for operations under went.

Sri Lanka Cadet Corps Started functioning as a separate organization away

from the command of the volunteer force in 1988 under the name of National

Cadet Corps and VFTS terminated the training of school cadets.

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The corrugate buildings that were belonged to Diyatalawa Army camp are

now being used by Sri Lanka military academy, Volunteer Force Training School,

1stBn the Gamunu Watch, Sri Lanka Air Force and by the institute of survey and

mapping. Over hundred years of old these green corrugated buildings are still

good for use and the number which displayed above the entrance to it are still

visible.

In the close proximity of VFTS the Sri Lanka Military Academy where

officer cadets are trained spreads in many acres. The famous Halangoda Lake

which adds a serene beauty to the garrison city area is situated in between SLMA

and VFTS. It is said that precious gems are on the lake ground.

The Premises where VFTS is functioned belongs 108 years old history to

date and the regime of the School manages to secure the historical value and

proud while using training purposes. With the glamour of the premises of VFTS

serves present and future generations.

Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force Training School

Diyatalawa.

The history of a place leads to present identity. The letters VFTS depicts the

Volunteer force Training School. This is the one and only training School that

trains both officers and ORs of volunteer force under the recommendation of

SLAVF and under the direction of Dte of Training according to the annual year

planner.

It is better to mention the mission of this training school where derive its

identity. The aim is this training school is to train officers senior NCOs, NCOs and

privates of Volunteer Force different courses and to give the basic training for

recruits of volunteer force.

The flag and the crest of the training school.

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The ideas depict by the symbols of the crest.

A. The swards and elephant.

These two symbols denote the crest of the volunteer force

B. The Torch

The torch just below the swards depicts the training that is being done to

make professionally qualified officers and ORs for the requirements of

volunteer force. Also the light of the torch says the duty which is done

accurately from beginning to the end.

C. Paddy ears

The two paddy ears raised either sides of the torch symbolize the

prosperity that gives by trained soldiers to the volunteer force.

D. The yellow colour

The yellow colour that is used as the background of the flag depicts the

discipline.

E. The Motto

The motto of this training school is Training Serving and leadership.

F. The frame below the crest.

The frame that was designed in an artistic manner with golden colour of its

line denotes the prestige of the school and within the frame the name of the

School is engraved.

G. The golden Colour

The values, brightness and the fairness is shown by this colour.

The facts mentioned above are the salient features of the crest and it was

designed on the basis of the prime points as shown. The 06thof December 1956 is

considered as the school’s day.

In order to identify the members of the permanent staff a badge designed

to be worn on the uniform and the crest of the school embossed on it.

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The badge should be worn. On green colored velvet as the background and

it is permitted the permanent staff members to wear this badge after six months

of the date of arrival to the VFTS. Only commandants are the allowed to wear this

badge even when they have been relinquished.

The composition and expansion of the school.

Volunteer Force Training School which is one and only training school of

the volunteer force is a one among the approved training school of the Army.

Initially the establishment consisted 34 x 282 according to the approved strength

of the DPA.

In the later part of year 2010 there was a rapid development of training it

was requested from DPA to revise the establishment as 40 x 308 but it has been

approved as 33 x 230 The head quarters is the main establishment of the training

school which consist of the commandant, SO II (Adjutant),Chief clerk, Chief Drill

Instructor and clerks.

THE ESTABLISHMENT

33 x 230

Headquarters (02x 08)

Commandant SO II (Adjutant) RSM DI - WO II - 01 CC - WO II - 01 Clerk - S/Sgt - 01 Clerk - Cpl - 02 Clerk - Pte - 02

Training Wing (26 x 123)

OffrsTrg

Section

ORs and Recruit

Trg Section

Trg support

group

Admin Wing (05 x 99)

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The Headquarters is the main element of the training school which consists

of the commandant, SO II (Adjutant), RSM, chief clerk, chief drill instructor and

clerks.

The staff of the Headquarters

Admin group PRI MT Section Attached tradesmen

Commandant

Col

SB Kohona

Adjutant

Maj

KKIA Kumara SLLI

RSM

WO I

RM Hemachandra

DI

WO II Susantha

Wijerathna WM

CC

WO II

Rajapakshe KAD

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The School is divided in to two main wings as training wing and admin

wing.

Admin wing

Admin wing comes under SO I admin but it is vacated by now and the

admin wing functions under the supervision of O/C Admin.

Admin wing office

PRI

Imprest/Pay section

‘Q’ Stores

MT Section

Library

Tailor Shop

Ration Stores

Armoury

Ammo dump

RP Section

‘A’ canteen

‘B’ canteen

Guard room

MI Room

Maintenance Section

Senior Officers’ holiday

Commandant’s Chalet

Telephone exchange

Officers’ mess.

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MI Room

‘A’ Canteen

OC Admin wing

Maj

PWS JinasomaVIR

Admin Wing WO II

S/Sgt

Bandularathne Mohottuwala MRP

MTO Lt

EKA NishanthaSLSR

Quarter Master Capt (QM)

PA ChandrawimalSLLI

Pl Comd - SLAWC

Lt

RPDS RathnayakeSLAWC

Mess Manager Maj

JAAP Jayasuriya SLA

SO 1

Lt Col

RMH Jayatissa GR

Staff of the Admin wing

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Swimming Pool

CO Lt Col

WSKLiyanawaduge RSP SLLI

CI Maj

AT Hajji SLNG

Training Officer Lt

DSS Lankeshwara SLNG

CC

WO II

Kumarasena BM

Training wing

The most important element of this school is the Training wing that

functions under a commanding officer. The Chief instructor, Training officer,

Officer Instructors, chief clerk OR instructors are there to conduct training.

The Staff of the training wing

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Officer Instructor

MajDWMSPWijeko

onVIR

Officer Instructor

Maj HMIK

SamaranayakeSLSR

Officer Instructor

Capt

PPPrasannaSLNG

Officer Instructor

Capt

GA Sithara GR

Officer Instructor

Capt

HMSK Herath NCC

Officer Instructor

Lt

TM Thilakasiri SLNG

Officer Instructor

Lt

WAAS Weerathunga NCC

Officer Instructor

2/Lt

APMG Rupasinghe GR

Officer Instructor

Lt

DMGI HerathSLGSC

History Of VFTS

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Lt Col WRB Rathnayaka SLLI

01.12.1988 - 30.08.1999

Lt Col NWPU NawimanaGR

30.08.1999 - 01.11.2002

Col WDLP Wickramasinghe RSP

01.01.2003 - 21.10.2004 07.12.2007 - 12.02.2009

Apart from the above personals training wing comprises with six drill

instructors both male and female PTIs altogether fourteen officers and 123 ORs.

During the past history ten senior officers have hold the appointment of

the commandant of this prestigious training school and four commanding

officers, eleven Adjutants and eleven chief instructors have rendered their

valuable and magnificent service to VFTS.

Commandants.

Lt Col WRB RathnayakaSLLI 01.12.1988 - 30.08.1999 Lt Col NWPU Nawimana GR 30.08.1999 - 01.11.2002 Lt Col SDAR Chandrasighe(Over Looking) 01.11.2002 - 01.01.2003 Lt Col WDLP WickramasingheRSP SLLI 01.01.2003 - 21.10.2004 Col GK WikramasingheKSV 21.10.2004 - 08.12.2005 Brig GK WikramasingheKSV 09.12.2005 - 12.02.2007 Col NB Weragama 12.02.2007 - 12.07.2007 Brig NB Weragama 13.02.2007 -07.12.2007 Col WDLP WikramasingheRSP 07.12.2007 - 07.02.2009 Lt Col MRCS Fernando GR (Over Looking) 11.02.2009- 19.03.2009 Lt Col RM Kumarasinghe 19.03.2009 - 01.12.2009 Col RM Kumarasinghe 01.12.2009-02.12.2012 Col PA DayanandaRSP 02.12.2012 - 02.06.2014 Col SB Kohona 02.06.2014 - Up to date

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Brig NB Weragama

12.02.2007 - 12.07.2007 12.07.2007 - 07.12.2007

Col RM Kumarasinghe

01.12.2009 - 02.12.2012

Col PA Dayananda RSP

02.12.2012 - 02.06.2014

Col SB Kohona

02.06.2014 - to date

Col GK Wikramasinghe KSV

21.10.2004 - 08.12.2005 08.12.2005 - 12.02.2007

The above are the photographs of past Commandants who have rendered

their devoted and dedicated service for the upliftment and betterment of the

school. Apart from those Lt Col SDAR Chandrasinghe (2002.11.01 - 2003.01.01)

and Lt Col MRCS Fernando (2009.02.11 - 2009.03.19) had performed duties as

overlooking commandants.

During the regimes of past commandants a distinct piece of action that was

happened was establishing the Security Force Head Quarter(C) in the premises of

VFTS on 03 March 2013 while Col PA Dayananda RSP was on administration. At

the same period 7th Regiment SLSC was also located in this premise and took

History Of VFTS

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over most parts of administration matters. This resorted to paralyze the training

in VFTS. In order of establish VFTS in another place then regime of VFTS had to

go for options. Thus some locations were identified to form up the camp such as

some buildings belongs to Mahaweli project near NCC training centre Rantambe,

Broton estate area and Dambawinna area around welimada town, abandoned tea

land at poonagala in Bandarawela electorate and a land in Awissawella. A

hundred and ten years old golden history of VFTS would have been completely

changed unless the present commander of the Army LT Gen RMD Rathnayake

WWV RWP RSP USP ndu psc wouldn’t have taken a historical decision to re-

establish VFTS in its own location. Having understanding the historical value, the

prestige and the archaic importance by the commander of the Army Lt Gen. RMD

Rathnayake WWV RWP RSP USP ndu psc was kind enough to allow the VFTS to

re-establish in the same location on 24 Aug 2013.

With the blessings of the commander of the Army training was started and

still continuing. History cannot be repeated and almost all the members of the

volunteer force pay their tribute to Lt Gen RMD Rathnayake WWV RWP RSP USP

ndu psc for his humble attitude rendered towards them in giving an opportunity

to function VFTS in its original place since this is one and only approved training

school of the volunteer force.

The following senior officers commanded the training wing.

Lt Col NGGS Thilakarathne SLSR 25.07.2008 - 15.06.2009

Lt Col DAJ Jayasekara SLSR 15.06.2009 -15.12.2009

Lt Col AJ Gunawardena RSP SLSR 26.01.2010 - 05.06.2012

Lt Col AJ Gunawardena RSP SLSR 06.06.2012 - 01.01.2013

Lt Col AR Obeysekara SLSC 02.01.2013 - 29.03.2014

Lt Col WSK Liyanawaduge RSP SLLI 03.29.2014- to date

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Page 17

Lt Col NGGS

Thilakarathne SLSR

25.07.2008 - 15.06.2009

Lt Col DAJ

Jayasekara SLSR

15.06.2009 - 15.12.2009

Lt Col

AJGunawardena RSP SLSR

26.01.2010 - 05.06.2012

06.06.2012 - 01.01.2013

Lt Col

AR Obeysekara SLSC

02.01.2013 - 29.03.2014

Lt Col WSK

Liyanawaduge RSP SLLI

03.29.2014 - Up to date

Commanding Officers

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The under mentioned officers held the appointment of the

chief instructor.

Maj PSB Kulathunga GW 1984

Maj B Jayasundara GR 1985

Maj B Podimahaththaya SLSR

Maj N Amarasinghe 1987

Maj KNK Udayarathne SLSR 1984

Maj SALI Perera SLLI 06.06.2000-25.07.2000

Maj HM Nawarathne SLSR 26.07.2001-30.05.2001

Maj ML Diganawathura SLSR 31.05.2005-09.01.2006

Maj SALI Perera SLLI 10.01.2006-04.09.2008

Maj DMAK Mendis RSP GR 04.09.2008-06.06.2009

Maj JKNS Jayasinghe SLRC 06.06.2009-06.03.2010

Maj PAR Karunarathne SLSR 06.03.2010-31.12.2012

Maj KDMR Ashantha VIR 31.12.2012-16.05.2013

Maj AT HaJJi SLNG 16.05.2013 – 02.02.2015

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The Adjutants who rendered their valuable service to

VFTS.

Capt AC Obesekara SLSR 1980

Maj RMA Rathnayake SLSC 01.08.1997

2/Lt RHSS De Silva SLSC 01.02.1996

Capt GWN Nishshanka NCC 1998

Capt NMK Kumara SLA

Maj NMK Kumara SLA 26.10.2006

Capt SAKD Lekamarachchi GR 26.10.2006-18.01.2008

Capt TVR PereraRSP SLA 18.01.2008

Maj TVR PereraRSP SLA 12.08.2009

Capt RMU Rathnayake SLA 12.08.2009

Maj RMU Rathnayake SLA 05.10.2012

Capt PP Prasanna SLNG(O/L) 05.10.2012-15.02.2013

Maj HGKS Dharmadasa GR 15.02.2013 – 10.02.2015

Maj KKIA Kumara SLLI 10.02.2015 – To date

The above mentioned officers devoted their service for the betterment of

the school and it is noteworthy to mention the senior NCOs whose dedication

was done to uplift the standard of VFTS.

The under mentioned senior NCOs have given their precious service as the

Regimental Sergeant Majors.

WOI RA Chandrasiri USP 10.07.1987 - 20.07.1995

WOI PLSL Cooray WWV 22.08.1995-11.11.1997

WOI KPJ Karunarathne 12.11.1987-13.07.1998

WO I EPD Kulasinghe USP 14.07.1998-01.02.2001

WO I DM Premarathne 16.05.2001-04.10.2005

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WOI DM Abeykoonbanda 04.10.2005-01.03.2007

WOI SM WijesundaraBandara 03.03.2007-25.02.2008

WOI RKASB Ranaweera 25.02.2008-28.11.2008

WOI KWAM Podimahaththaya 01.12.2008-28.07.2009

WO I AS Sarath kumara Siriwardana 14.09.2009-04.10.2010

WO I KP SudathPriyantha 04.10.2010-12.01.2011

WO I G Wiamalarathne 22.04.2011-08.03.3013

WO I RM Hemachandra 01.05.2013- Up to date

RSMs of the school

WO I RA

Chandrasiri USP

10.07.1987 - 20.07.1995

WO IPLSL

Cooray WWV

22.08.1995 - 11.11.1997

WO1KPJ

Karunarathne

12.11.1987 - 13.07.1998

WO I

EPD Kulasinghe USP

14.07.1998 - 01.02.2001

WO I

DM Premarathne

16.05.2001 - 04.10.2005

WO I DM

Abekoonbanda

04.10.2005 - 01.03.200

History Of VFTS

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WO I

RKASB Ranaweera

25.02.2008 - 28.11.2008

WO IKWAM Podimahaththaya

01.12.2008 - 28.07.2009

WO IASSarathkumara

Siriwardana

14.09.2009 - 04.10.2010

WO I KP

SudathPriyantha

04.10.2010 - 12.01.2011

WO I G

Wiamalarathne

22.04.2011 - 08.03.3013

WO I RM

Hemachandra

01.05.2013 - Up to date

WO I SM

WijesundaraBandara

03.03.2007 - 25.02.2008

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The under mentioned senior NCOs have given their

precious service as the chief clerks

S/40868 WOII Amaradasa HMB 1990.01.01-1993.01.01

S/40907 WOI HPR Dissanayaka 1993.01.01-1995.07.09

S/40547 WOI KP Somadasa 1995.07.10-1998.09.21

S/01427 WOI KDMSirisena 1998.09.22-1999.09.13

S/00149 WO II Somasiri PPP 1999.09.14-2000.12.31

S/2E02634 S/Sgt Frenando CCK 2001.01.01-2007.12.06

S/2K00596 Sgt PathiranaPDP 2007.12.07-2012.11.02

S/100528 WOI HathurusingheHDA 2012.11.03-2015.02.10

S/9D00500 WOII Rajapaksha KADM 2015.02.10 – To date

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Page 23

Special and historical places and buildings

within the premises of VFTS

Special incidents and dates in relation to the history of

VFTS

As a long journey starts with a single step the history of a place builds up

day by day. Every second that spends is added to the history and the followings

are some of the a century and a decade old history of VFTS.

On 11 April 1861 a discussion was held by Mr. Brode the assistant

government agent of Matale with some European officials the

importance of forming up a volunteer force in Sri Lanka.

On 25 May 1861 the Riffle society was formed as a result of the

discussion made between Mr. Charls Justing Maccarthi the governor of

Ceylon and the secretary in charge of British Colonies.

In 1861 the approval was granted by her majesty the British queen to

form the volunteer force under No 03 of 1861 act.

On 5 July 1862 It was declared vide the gazette notification no 326 the

forming up of the volunteer force but due to the lack of unexpected

government support the activeness of the Riffle society was inactive to

an extent.

The Riffle society that was formed in 1880 requested the government

approval to form up volunteer force and for that the signatures of

consent of the people Colombo and suburbs were taken. Police

inspector Magistrate WJS Boke was the pioneer.

On 01 April a volunteer force was formed under the name of Ceylon

volunteers. This was announced vide the gazette notification no 4396

and it appeared on the page no 528.

On 06 April 1881 Lt Col Jhon Scot Armitage who was from 21 Bn

Lancashire Riffle Corps took over duties at the first commanding

officer.(The gazette notification no 4101 of 16 May 1881)

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The first adjutant was Capt. PL Guawtking from Royal Glamorgan

infantry regiment (The gazette notification No 4402 of 13 May 1881)

In 1903 a farewell was held for colonel Farguharson at his retirement.

On 29 May 1907 Captain TGW Jayawardana was appointed as the

assistant Adjutant.

On 11 July 1907 an annual training camp was held at Diyatalawa Army

Camp.

In 1909 a new batch was trained and members of the survey

department were also given the membership.

On 17 June 1910 an annual training camp was held.

On 20 June 1910 an annual training camp was held.

Holding of Annual Camp on 27 July 1912.

Holding of Annual Camp on 17 July 1913.

Holding of Annual Camp on 17 July 1914. On 5 June 1915 04 x 206 took over the security duties of war

prisoners by 28 Vol Regiment.

It is timely seasonable to note those important happening of the

history for the transparency of the sequence of incidents.

Historical Photographs in possession of VFTS.

History of courses

“The drop of sweat that falls during the training is Precious than gold

when at the battle field.” Having confirming that quote VFTS was able to

produce talented skillful soldiers for both regular and volunteer force. In order to

cater the requirements of the army VFTS Conducted 76 recruit courses so far and

was able to trained 24774 male and 2623 female recruits to protect the social

integrity and to safeguard the country. Apart from that direct recruited personals

were trained for IT unit, telephone exchange operators and as well as clerk

course were also conducted.

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Page 25

It was timely required to train recruits for the battle. Not only that but also

this training school has taken steps to conduct course for officers and ORs.

Officer courses

01. Senior officers’ course.(vol)

02. Second in command course

03. Junior staff officers’ course.

04. Junior command course.

05. Adjutant courses.

06. Direct enlisted male and female training course.

07. Functional English course.

08. Unit admin and accounts course.

09. Cadet Officers’ course.

10. Retired warrant officers’ commissioning course to the rank of Lieutenant

(Regular)

11. Warrant officers’ commissioning course (vol)

12. ORs commissioning course.

ORs courses

01. Corporal to sergeant promotion course.

02. Senior NCOs leadership quality development course.

03. Drill refresher course.

04. Platoon sergeant course.

05. Pre-school teachers’ course.

06. Junior instructors’ course.

07. Potential section commander course.

08. Functional English course for ORs.

09. Clerk course.

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Page 26

10. Instructors’ revision course.

11. Computer course.

Other courses

01. Professional officers’ course.

02. University students’ leadership quality development course.

The details of above mentioned courses.

Senior officers’ course.

This course was conducted on the approval of Dte of Trg, only senior

officers of volunteer force participated. This school conducted five courses and

124 officers attended. At present this course is conducted at SLMA.

Second in command course.

Under the approval and direction of Dte of Trg this school conducted five

courses and 124 officers attended altogether. At present this course is removed

from this school.

Junior staff officers’ course.

This course was conducted on the approval of the Dte of Trg. Eight courses

were conducted in this school and 174 officers attended.

Junior command course.

Only senior officers of volunteer force attended for this course. Five

courses were conducted in this school and 124 officers attended for these. Now

SLMA is conducting this course.

Adjutant course

This course has been designed for junior officers of the volunteer force.

Only five courses were conducted and 98 officers had attended .Later this course

is removed from this school. In the later part of the year 2013 this course was

started and the fourth stage is on progress.

Direct enlisted officers’ course

In order to give the basic military training for direct enlisted male and

female officers this course was conducted on the approval of Dte of Trg.This was

the one and only course conducted here and 28 got passed out to serve for both

volunteer and regular force as professionals.

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Page 27

Functional English course - officers

Altogether 50 male and female officers participated for four courses which

were conducted under the approval and direction of Date of Trg.

Unit admin and accounts course

This course is conducted in order to enhance the knowledge on accounts

that are maintained in units. And also to give the fair knowledge on unit

administration matters. So far 511 officers have participated for 39

coursesconducted.

NCC probationary officers’ course

Seventy one officers who were enlisted NCC has trained in this school on

the approval of Dte of Trg. Altogether 3 courses were conducted.

Par excellence course

Three courses were held and 31 officers participated. This course has been

approved by Dte of Trg.

Retired warrant officers commissioning course (Regular)

The retired warrant officers of the Regular force were enlisted to the

volunteer force to be commissioned as lieutenants and employed in the

volunteer force. Altogether 231 officers were trained under 3 stages.

Warrant officers commissioning course (Volunteer)

This course is conducted under the approval of Dte of Trg for WOs to be

commissioned as lieutenants to employ as quarter masters of units of both

regular and volunteer force. For regular force 4 courses for volunteers 7 courses

and for both regular and volunteer force 9 courses have been conducted.

Altogether 517 WOs participated for these. At present 55 WOs are being trained

under stage 13.

The courses conduct for ORs prior to the Commissioning

In order to give basic training for ORs who were enlisted to be

commissioned on the requirement of the Army under five stages. 119 ORs were

trained.

Cpl to Sgt promotion course

This course has been designed for corporals of vol force to give a fair

knowledge to sit for cpl to sgt promotion test. 2442 NCOs have followed this

course.

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Page 28

Senior NCOs leadership quality development course

In order to enhance the leadership qualities of the senior NCOs of

volunteer force this course was conducted on the approval of Dte of Trg. So far

544 were trained under 22 courses. At present this course is not conducted in is

premises.

Drill Refresher Course

This course is designed for senior NCOs of volunteer force. At present

course no 32 is ongoing and 824 senior NCOs have followed the previous

courses.

Platoon Sergeants course

Sergeants and corporals of the volunteer force are entitled to follow this

course. 1410 sergeants and corporals have followed this course under 42

courses.

Pre-school teachers’ course

After starting pre schools in the Army 24 teachers were trained under two

courses to teach in pre-schools conducted by the military.

Junior Instructors’ Course

752 soldiers of the volunteer Force were trained under 42 Courses which

were conducted under the approval of Dte of Trg.

Potential Section Commanders’ Course.

This course is designed for NCOs in the ranks of Corporals and lance

corporals on the approval of Dte of Trg.729 NCOs have successfully completed

this course and course and the course No 27 is now on going.

Functional English Course for ORs

This course has been designed for all ranks of ORs and that is specialty of

this course. The duration of this course is four months. Seventeen courses have

been completed and 729soldiers have attended.

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Page 29

Computer training

Clerk course

This course is conducted for ORs in the volunteer force of in order to cater

the requirements of volunteer battalions. So far 3179 ORs have followed the

course and course no 68 is now on progress.

Computer Course

Duration of the course is three months. So far four courses have been

conducted. The number of trainees was 134. The course No five is being

conducted with the participation of 25 trainees.

Account Course - ORs

The trainees for this course were selected from the volunteer battalions.

The main focus of this course is to give a fair knowledge on regimental accounts

enable soldiers to maintain accounts in unit level. So far four courses have been

conducted. The number of trainees were100.

Refresher course for instructors

This course is conducted for both officers and OR instructors of this

training school with the aim of refresh their knowledge in order to give a fruitful

training for trainees.

Up to the recent part all above mentioned courses were conducted but

later the under mentioned courses were removed from the training schedule

according instruct ion received.

Courses for officers

Senior officers course (vol)

Second in Command Course

Junior Staff Officer Course

Junior Command Course

Direct Enlisted Officers’ Course

Functional English course

NCC Officers’ course

Commissioning course for retired WOs

Other ranks Commissioning Course

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Page 30

Courses for ORs

Promotion Course corporal to sergeant

Leadership Development Course for senior NCOs

Pre - School teachers course

Junior instructor course

Junior leadership development Course

However according to a concept of the government courses were

designed and organized to develop the leadership skills and positive

thinking of university entrance qualified students and this school is also

gave its contribution in giving training for 527 students in the year 2013 in

two stages.

Apart from all the courses mentioned above this school had the privilege to

conduct the first course of professionally qualified personals who were enlisted

to volunteer reserve. This course was conducted with the predominance of the

commandant of volunteer force. Forty four officers out of forty seven have

successfully completed the basic course and passed out in a parade for which the

commandant of the volunteer force Maj Gen S W L Daulagala RSP USP ndu

participated as the chief guest.

Conclusion

The termination of writing the history has no end because every second

that passes is added to the history. Thus our ancestors wanted to come out with

an incident happened to reveal the consequence of it and they tend to say “older

than the history’’.

There are a lot of important events go together hands in hand with a

century and a decade old history of this school. During that precious period of

arrogant history the Volunteer Force Training School could be part and partial in

providing well trained soldiers in the process of eradicating three decade lasted

brutal terrorism from our mother land.

I take this opportunity to offer my sincere and heartiest gratitude for those

who sweat and toiled specially the officers, senior NCOs, NCOs and ORs of this

school in finding historical valuable photos, collecting facts and tales related to

this school to make this event a success.

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Page 31

History cannot be repeated but the possibility of erasing the past memories

from people’s mind is natural. It is timely required to take all important matters

into a printed material. With the esteem appreciation of the decision taken by Lt

Gen RMD Rathnayake WWV RWP RSP USP ndu psc the commander of the Army

to keep recorded the history of all training schools and units here by make the

conclusion.

SB KOHANA

COL

COMMANDANT - VFTS