Last modified: 2024-11-09 by rob raeside Keywords: sri lanka | gajaba | Links: FOTW homepage | search | disclaimer and copyright | write us | mirrors image by Zoltan Horvath , 12 October 2024 Army flag 1st Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment 4th Sri Lanka Light Infantry 57th Infantry Division 58th Infantry Division Sri Lanka Artillery Gajaba Regiment Sri Lanka Armoured Corps Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB) Mechanized Infantry Regiment Commando Regiment Other current unit flags General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Ceylon Army Commander Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment Presidential Colour Historical Army flags First Army Crest 1949-1966 Second Army Crest 1967-1972 See also: Sri Lanka Army Flag This army flag of Sri Lanka has been in use since 1972. Older versions are shown below . Janith Leanage , 11 October 2002 "The dark blue signifies dignity, positive ideals and royalty while the dark orange yellowish colour symbolizes righteousness, self-restraint, prosperity, ancient heritage and discipline. In the centre of the orange patch lies a scroll which has inscribed the words 'Sri Lanka Army' in Sinhala characters, the pommel ornamentation of the Lion's Head at the termination of the Guard with the 'Serapendiya' or mythical animals standing at the base of the quillon on superimposed and crossed 'Kastanas' or glittering Ornamental Swords, embedded with golden hilts, inlaid with diamonds and rubies, on which 'Dhammachakka' or the Wheel of the Doctrine with the Heraldic Lion of Sri Lanka within six 'Palapethi Vataya' or the Lotus petal borders has been placed, ear of corn signifying prosperity, discipline, righteousness, self-sufficiency and eternity while the Sun in splendour and the Moon on the right and left respectively. The Army Flag carries armorial ensigns of the Republic of Sri Lanka, embodied with 'Punkalasa' or the filled ornamental vessel with the heraldic Lion of Sri Lanka within the 'Palapethi Vataya' or the Lotus petal border." Source: https://www.army.lk/amry-flag-and-crest Images of the flag: https://www.colombotimes.net https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=82918 Zoltan Horvath , 12 October 2024 1st Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment image by Eugene Ipavec , 2 February 2009 based on an image at http://www.semana.com/home.aspx A black flag with two vertical green stripes, and a golden emblem. The yellow number 1 on the top right corner of the flag means it is the 1st Battalion's flag. Esteban Rivera , 1 February 2009 4th Sri Lanka Light Infantry image by Eugene Ipavec , 2 February 2009 On the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence official website there's a link entitled "LTTE underwater vehicles found - Mullaittivu" ( http://www.defence.lk/picturegallery/picc.asp?tfile=Boats&cat=ACHI ), where several pictures are published of Sri Lankan Military personnel capturing terrorist LTTE hardware (mainly semi submersibles). On some of these pictures (7h and 8th row from top to bottom) one can see the flag of the 4th Sri Lanka Light Infantry (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lanka_Light_Infantry ). Esteban Rivera , 2 February 2009 Blue flag with a white hunting horn tied with a blue-red knotted cord to the feathers of the Prince of Wales in the crest - apparently some colonial-era symbols remain in use. Eugene Ipavec , 2 February 2009 Former British colonial units generally preserve as much continuity as they can with their forebears. What is not acceptable is the continuation of British royal insignia when a country becomes a republic and no longer recognises the British Sovereign as their head of state. So the three ostrich feathers known as "The Plume of the Prince Wales" were no longer acceptable in the Sri Lanka Light Infantry insignia when the country became a republic in 1972. The plume of the Prince of Wales was replaced with three sheaves of paddy configured to look almost exactly like the previous plume. The horn symbolising light infantry has nothing to do with royalty and thus was preserved. T.F. Mills , 3 February 2009 57th Infantry Division The 57th Infantry Division flag is seen here: http://www.defence.lk/img/20090105_01WarHeroes.jpg (top right flag). Esteban Rivera , 25 October 2009 58th Infantry Division image by Eugene Ipavec , 2 February 2009 There's a link on the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence ( http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090204_08 ) entitled "58 Div overruns largest LTTE suicide bomber training facility- Mullaittivu". There's a picture there that might be the flag of the 58 Division ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/58_Division_(Sri_Lanka) ). More images of this can be seen here as well: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7867798.stm Esteban Rivera , 4 February 2009 Clearly modeled on the Sri Lankan national flag . Yellow border, then a thinner red border containing a white box, the fly 2/3 or so of it occupied by a second, red box. The free hoist part of the white box contains an uncertain number of blue objects; arrows? clubs? shooting stars? while there is evidently an emblem in the red box, and a line of white text below it, both not clearly visible (not that I could reproduce the latter in any case.) Eugene Ipavec , 5 February 2009 Sri Lanka Artillery image located by Esteban Rivera , 24 April 2010 On April 20, on the official website of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence, the "Sri Lanka Artillery Marks its 122nd Regimental Anniversary with Commander as Chief Guest" ( http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100420_07 ). One can see the flag here: http://www.defence.lk/img/20100420_A04.jpg and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SLA_Artillery_RM70_rocket_launcher.JPG (vertical variant). The flag is a horizontal red over blue flag, with the insignia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SLA-1.png ) of the Sri Lanka Artillery. The Sri Lanka Artillery is made up of 7 regular regiments and 2 volunteer (reserve) regiments. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lanka_Artillery#Units . Esteban Rivera , 24 April 2010 Gajaba Regiment image located by Esteban Rivera , 17 May 2009 On May 17th, I spotted in the Sri Lankan Army website a military unit flag, most likely the 20 Gajaba Regiment of the Sri Lankan Army. I came to this conclusion after watching footage, captioned as follows: "Army recovered a haul of LTTE weapons including artillery, mortar, ZPU-4 (paddle gun), ammunition, explosives and vehicles from Puthukudirippu area during the first week of April. Troops also captured a T-55 main battle tank from the LTTE" In the video one can see that on the captured military weapons, the initials 20 GR is seen in white. For more on the Gajaba Regiment please refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gajaba_Regiment . Source: http://www.army.lk/vgallery.php?galid=18 (official Sri Lankan Army video), footage taken during the first week of April, 2009, probably on April 5/6, by troops of the 58 Division according to several sources ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-55 , http://www.island.lk/2009/04/12/defence1.html , http://www.army.lk/image_gallery/original/20090407_g_15.jpg (Sri Lankan Army official website) Picture taken on April 7, 2009, according to file name.) Esteban Rivera , 17 May 2009 The flag is red, with a white disc containing an emblem, maybe the badge at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:GR.png , plus a curved inscription below it and the usual dikul leaves in the corners, all gold. Eugene Ipavec , 19 May 2009 Several Gajaba Regiment flags are displayed during a ceremony held today reported on the official Sri Lankan Army and Secretary of Defence websites: http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=650 http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090605_10 Esteban Rivera , 7 June 2009 image by Eugene Ipavec , 23 July 2009 There's an article on the Sri Lankan Army showing the flag of this military unit, the 22nd Battalion of the Gajaba Regiment Unit flag. Article: http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=968 For further information please refer to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gajaba_Regiment Esteban Rivera , 23 July 2009 Sri Lanka Armoured Corps image by Eugene Ipavec , 19 May 2009 I found yesterday, May 17, a link on the BBC website showing the victorious Sri Lankan troops inside the last LTTE stronghold. There they show a picture of several military flags: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8054826.stm . The flags seem to be from left to right: - Any Unit (Battalion) of the Regular of Volunteers Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment ( lk^army.html#4slli ), Sri Lanka flag , Sri Lanka Armoured Corps flag. For more info on the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lanka_Armoured_Corps . Esteban Rivera , 17 May 2009 Tricolor of black (?), white, red, with emblem from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SLAC-1-.png centered. Eugene Ipavec , 19 May 2009 Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB) image by Eugene Ipavec , 23 July 2009 The Sri Lankan Army official website shows the flag (more likely a banner) of Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB), which is a welfare and relief organization inside the Sri Lankan Army for its military personnel. Here's the link: http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=967 Esteban Rivera , 23 July 2009 Mechanized Infantry Regiment I believe the flag shown at http://www.army.lk/image_gallery/normal/mir_comd_4.jpg is the one of the Mechanized Infantry Regiment of the Sri Lankan Army. It is shown on the webpage at http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=1152 . Notice on the image the Army flag and the Mechanized Infantry Regiment on the right. Now, judging from that picture, I believe the Army flag is more yellow than the orange one can see in the Army flag in the middle stripe. For more information on the Mechanized Infantry Regiment of the Sri Lankan Army, please look at: http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=1152 (Official Sri Lankan Army article), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanized_Infantry_Regiment (Wikipedia) and http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080128_10 (Official Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence article). For the correct Order of Precedence of Sri Lankan Units, please refer to: http://www.army.lk/estab.php (Official Sri Lankan Army website ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lanka_Army_Order_of_Precedence (Wikipedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lankan_Army#Regiments_.26_Corps (Wikipedia) Esteban Rivera , 31 August 2009 Commando Regiment On March 15, Commando "saluted their fallen comrades in a befitting style Monday (15) evening at its Ganemulla Regimental Headquarters. The day’s elaborate arrangements that also marked the Regiment's 30th Anniversary took place in two phases; (1) opening of CR War Hero Memorial and (2) Award of felicitation certificates to disable CR War Heroes (Ranaviru Upahara) and family members of fallen War Heroes. The occasion was graced by none other than Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary Defence and Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army and a host of other guests. Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya and Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya greeted Mr Rajapaksa and Mrs Ioma Rajapaksa on arrival at the entrance to the Regimental Headquarters in the company of senior Army officers." Source: http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=1962 (official Army website) In the article, published the next day (March 16) one can see the flag of this Military Unit in the following pictures: http://www.army.lk/html/images/image/Photo%20story/CR_4.jpg http://www.army.lk/html/images/image/Photo%20story/CR_1.jpg http://www.defence.lk/img/20090603_B04.jpg The flag is a plain horizontal maroon flag with the insignia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SLCR.png ) on the middle. "The Sri Lanka Army Commando Regiment (CR) is an elite special operations unit which is a Regiment of the Sri Lanka army. Within one of the four Army Commando Regiments there is a 140-man counter-terrorist unit that provides the primary Counter-Terrorism response for Sri Lanka. This unit was created in 1980 and is based in Ganemulla, a suburb of Colombo". Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lanka_Army_Commando_Regiment Esteban Rivera , 20 March 2010 Other current unit flags Yesterday in a declared National Holiday by the President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa (also known as Percy Mahendra Rajapaksa), a Military Victory Parade was held in the towns of Velllamullivaikkal, Puthumatalan and Nanthikandal Lagoon, the last LTTE held territory: "Mullaittivu: Fluttering Division, Brigade and Unit flags of the Sri Lanka Army in Velllamullivaikkal, Puthumatalan showered their cool breeze on the entire Nanthikandal Lagoon and the Mother Sri Lanka alike when thousands of Army troops who toiled day and night for liberation of this tiny Nation in the past few months formally ceased their fire Wednesday (20) afternoon at 14.30 hrs during a military ceremony, headed by Major General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander Security Forces Wanni, General Officers Commanding, Brigade Commanders, Senior Officers and all ground commanders. Today’s military event, designed for official declaration of Silencing of Military Guns is unprecedented in the history of Sri Lanka, giving a humiliating blow to the world’s traditional myth that “Terrorism cannot be militarily defeated” as taught in military academia worldwide. A two-minute silence was observed by all as a mark of respect to their fallen War Heroes before commencement of the day’s proceedings and it turned out to be an emotional moment of burst to some of those soldiers who lost their fellow-troopers in action. The brief ceremony came to a close after all soldiers together with their superiors posed for a group photo, one that would bring immortal memories for generations. On the direct supervision of the Commander of the Army General Sarath Fonseka, Major General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander Security Forcers Wanni, 53 Division Commander Major General Kamal Gunarathna, 55 Division Commander Brigadier Prasanna Silva, 56 Division Commander Major General H.C.P. Gunathilake, 57 Division Commanders Major General Jagath Dias and Major General S. Sooriya Bandara, 58 Division Commander Brigadier Shavendra Silva, 59 Division Commanders Major General Nandana Udawatta and Brigadier C.P. Gallage, Task Force - 2 Commander Brigadier P.M.R. Bandara, Task Force - 3 Commander Brigadier S.D.T. Liyanage, Task Force - 4 Commander Colonel N.D. Wanniarachchi, Task Force - 5 Commander Colonel G.J.A.W. Galagamage, Task Force - 6 Commander Colonel K.A.C.H. Kodithuwakku, Task Force - 7 Commander Colonel A.W.M.P.R. Senevirathna, Task Force - 8 Commander Colonel G.V. Ravipriya, Area Headquarters Commander (Mannar) Colonel T.J. Nanayakkara, Area Headquarters Commander (Welioya) Colonel D.A.R Ranawaka and a host of Brigade Commanders, Unit Commanders and thousands of War Heroes in above Regiments actively contributed to the successful completion of the terrorist menace once for all." Source: http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=511 NOTICE: The units mentioned above are likely to be the ones represented by their waving flags in these pictures (Official Sri Lanka Army website): http://www.army.lk/image_gallery/original/20lastfire3.jpg http://www.army.lk/image_gallery/original/20lastfire16.jpg http://www.army.lk/image_gallery/original/20lastfire9.jpg http://www.army.lk/image_gallery/original/20lastfire13.jpg http://www.army.lk/image_gallery/normal/20lastfire15.jpg Esteban Rivera , 21 May 2009 Ceylon Army Commander by Miles Li The flag of the (then) Ceylon Army Commander. HMSO 1958 gave the size as 9 inches to 12 inches (i.e. proportions 3:4). Miles Li , 26 July 2004 Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment Presidential Colour image located by Glen Hodgins , 24 April 2013 Here is an article (with an appropriate image) of the Presidential Colour recently awarded to the Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment: http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=SLA_Artillery_Regiment_Honoured_with_President_Colours_20130423_03 "In parallel to its 125th anniversary celebrations, the Sri Lanka Artillery Regiment was honoured with the President's and Regimental Colours by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa today (23rd April) at at a special ceremony held at the Regimental Headquarters premises in Panagoda." Glen Hodgins , 24 April 2013 First Army Crest 1949-1966 by Janith Leanage Second Army Crest 1967-1972 by Janith Leanage Army flag 1st Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment 4th Sri Lanka Light Infantry 57th Infantry Division 58th Infantry Division Sri Lanka Artillery Gajaba Regiment Sri Lanka Armoured Corps Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB) Mechanized Infantry Regiment Commando Regiment Other current unit flags General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Ceylon Army Commander Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment Presidential Colour Historical Army flags First Army Crest 1949-1966 Second Army Crest 1967-1972 1st Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment 4th Sri Lanka Light Infantry 57th Infantry Division 58th Infantry Division Sri Lanka Artillery Gajaba Regiment Sri Lanka Armoured Corps Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB) Mechanized Infantry Regiment Commando Regiment Other current unit flags General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Ceylon Army Commander Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment Presidential Colour Historical Army flags First Army Crest 1949-1966 Second Army Crest 1967-1972 4th Sri Lanka Light Infantry 57th Infantry Division 58th Infantry Division Sri Lanka Artillery Gajaba Regiment Sri Lanka Armoured Corps Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB) Mechanized Infantry Regiment Commando Regiment Other current unit flags General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Ceylon Army Commander Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment Presidential Colour Historical Army flags First Army Crest 1949-1966 Second Army Crest 1967-1972 57th Infantry Division 58th Infantry Division Sri Lanka Artillery Gajaba Regiment Sri Lanka Armoured Corps Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB) Mechanized Infantry Regiment Commando Regiment Other current unit flags General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Ceylon Army Commander Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment Presidential Colour Historical Army flags First Army Crest 1949-1966 Second Army Crest 1967-1972 58th Infantry Division Sri Lanka Artillery Gajaba Regiment Sri Lanka Armoured Corps Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB) Mechanized Infantry Regiment Commando Regiment Other current unit flags General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Ceylon Army Commander Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment Presidential Colour Historical Army flags First Army Crest 1949-1966 Second Army Crest 1967-1972 Sri Lanka Artillery Gajaba Regiment Sri Lanka Armoured Corps Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB) Mechanized Infantry Regiment Commando Regiment Other current unit flags General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Ceylon Army Commander Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment Presidential Colour Historical Army flags First Army Crest 1949-1966 Second Army Crest 1967-1972 Gajaba Regiment Sri Lanka Armoured Corps Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB) Mechanized Infantry Regiment Commando Regiment Other current unit flags General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Ceylon Army Commander Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment Presidential Colour Historical Army flags First Army Crest 1949-1966 Second Army Crest 1967-1972 Sri Lanka Armoured Corps Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB) Mechanized Infantry Regiment Commando Regiment Other current unit flags General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Ceylon Army Commander Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment Presidential Colour Historical Army flags First Army Crest 1949-1966 Second Army Crest 1967-1972 Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB) Mechanized Infantry Regiment Commando Regiment Other current unit flags General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Ceylon Army Commander Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment Presidential Colour Historical Army flags First Army Crest 1949-1966 Second Army Crest 1967-1972 Mechanized Infantry Regiment Commando Regiment Other current unit flags General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Ceylon Army Commander Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment Presidential Colour Historical Army flags First Army Crest 1949-1966 Second Army Crest 1967-1972 Commando Regiment Other current unit flags General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Ceylon Army Commander Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment Presidential Colour Historical Army flags First Army Crest 1949-1966 Second Army Crest 1967-1972 Other current unit flags General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Ceylon Army Commander Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment Presidential Colour Historical Army flags First Army Crest 1949-1966 Second Army Crest 1967-1972 General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Ceylon Army Commander Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment Presidential Colour Historical Army flags First Army Crest 1949-1966 Second Army Crest 1967-1972 Ceylon Army Commander Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment Presidential Colour Historical Army flags First Army Crest 1949-1966 Second Army Crest 1967-1972 Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment Presidential Colour Historical Army flags First Army Crest 1949-1966 Second Army Crest 1967-1972 Historical Army flags First Army Crest 1949-1966 Second Army Crest 1967-1972 First Army Crest 1949-1966 Second Army Crest 1967-1972 Second Army Crest 1967-1972 This army flag of Sri Lanka has been in use since 1972. Older versions are shown below . Janith Leanage , 11 October 2002 "The dark blue signifies dignity, positive ideals and royalty while the dark orange yellowish colour symbolizes righteousness, self-restraint, prosperity, ancient heritage and discipline. In the centre of the orange patch lies a scroll which has inscribed the words 'Sri Lanka Army' in Sinhala characters, the pommel ornamentation of the Lion's Head at the termination of the Guard with the 'Serapendiya' or mythical animals standing at the base of the quillon on superimposed and crossed 'Kastanas' or glittering Ornamental Swords, embedded with golden hilts, inlaid with diamonds and rubies, on which 'Dhammachakka' or the Wheel of the Doctrine with the Heraldic Lion of Sri Lanka within six 'Palapethi Vataya' or the Lotus petal borders has been placed, ear of corn signifying prosperity, discipline, righteousness, self-sufficiency and eternity while the Sun in splendour and the Moon on the right and left respectively. The Army Flag carries armorial ensigns of the Republic of Sri Lanka, embodied with 'Punkalasa' or the filled ornamental vessel with the heraldic Lion of Sri Lanka within the 'Palapethi Vataya' or the Lotus petal border." Source: https://www.army.lk/amry-flag-and-crest Images of the flag: https://www.colombotimes.net https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=82918 Zoltan Horvath , 12 October 2024 1st Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment image by Eugene Ipavec , 2 February 2009 based on an image at http://www.semana.com/home.aspx A black flag with two vertical green stripes, and a golden emblem. The yellow number 1 on the top right corner of the flag means it is the 1st Battalion's flag. Esteban Rivera , 1 February 2009 4th Sri Lanka Light Infantry image by Eugene Ipavec , 2 February 2009 On the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence official website there's a link entitled "LTTE underwater vehicles found - Mullaittivu" ( http://www.defence.lk/picturegallery/picc.asp?tfile=Boats&cat=ACHI ), where several pictures are published of Sri Lankan Military personnel capturing terrorist LTTE hardware (mainly semi submersibles). On some of these pictures (7h and 8th row from top to bottom) one can see the flag of the 4th Sri Lanka Light Infantry (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lanka_Light_Infantry ). Esteban Rivera , 2 February 2009 Blue flag with a white hunting horn tied with a blue-red knotted cord to the feathers of the Prince of Wales in the crest - apparently some colonial-era symbols remain in use. Eugene Ipavec , 2 February 2009 Former British colonial units generally preserve as much continuity as they can with their forebears. What is not acceptable is the continuation of British royal insignia when a country becomes a republic and no longer recognises the British Sovereign as their head of state. So the three ostrich feathers known as "The Plume of the Prince Wales" were no longer acceptable in the Sri Lanka Light Infantry insignia when the country became a republic in 1972. The plume of the Prince of Wales was replaced with three sheaves of paddy configured to look almost exactly like the previous plume. The horn symbolising light infantry has nothing to do with royalty and thus was preserved. T.F. Mills , 3 February 2009 57th Infantry Division The 57th Infantry Division flag is seen here: http://www.defence.lk/img/20090105_01WarHeroes.jpg (top right flag). Esteban Rivera , 25 October 2009 58th Infantry Division image by Eugene Ipavec , 2 February 2009

There's a link on the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence ( http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090204_08 ) entitled "58 Div overruns largest LTTE suicide bomber training facility- Mullaittivu". There's a picture there that might be the flag of the 58 Division ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/58_Division_(Sri_Lanka) ). More images of this can be seen here as well: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7867798.stm Esteban Rivera , 4 February 2009 Clearly modeled on the Sri Lankan national flag . Yellow border, then a thinner red border containing a white box, the fly 2/3 or so of it occupied by a second, red box. The free hoist part of the white box contains an uncertain number of blue objects; arrows? clubs? shooting stars? while there is evidently an emblem in the red box, and a line of white text below it, both not clearly visible (not that I could reproduce the latter in any case.) Eugene Ipavec , 5 February 2009 Sri Lanka Artillery image located by Esteban Rivera , 24 April 2010 On April 20, on the official website of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence, the "Sri Lanka Artillery Marks its 122nd Regimental Anniversary with Commander as Chief Guest" ( http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100420_07 ). One can see the flag here: http://www.defence.lk/img/20100420_A04.jpg and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SLA_Artillery_RM70_rocket_launcher.JPG (vertical variant). The flag is a horizontal red over blue flag, with the insignia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SLA-1.png ) of the Sri Lanka Artillery. The Sri Lanka Artillery is made up of 7 regular regiments and 2 volunteer (reserve) regiments. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lanka_Artillery#Units . Esteban Rivera , 24 April 2010 Gajaba Regiment image located by Esteban Rivera , 17 May 2009 On May 17th, I spotted in the Sri Lankan Army website a military unit flag, most likely the 20 Gajaba Regiment of the Sri Lankan Army. I came to this conclusion after watching footage, captioned as follows: "Army recovered a haul of LTTE weapons including artillery, mortar, ZPU-4 (paddle gun), ammunition, explosives and vehicles from Puthukudirippu area during the first week of April. Troops also captured a T-55 main battle tank from the LTTE" In the video one can see that on the captured military weapons, the initials 20 GR is seen in white. For more on the Gajaba Regiment please refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gajaba_Regiment . Source: http://www.army.lk/vgallery.php?galid=18 (official Sri Lankan Army video), footage taken during the first week of April, 2009, probably on April 5/6, by troops of the 58 Division according to several sources ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-55 , http://www.island.lk/2009/04/12/defence1.html , http://www.army.lk/image_gallery/original/20090407_g_15.jpg (Sri Lankan Army official website) Picture taken on April 7, 2009, according to file name.) Esteban Rivera , 17 May 2009 The flag is red, with a white disc containing an emblem, maybe the badge at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:GR.png , plus a curved inscription below it and the usual dikul leaves in the corners, all gold. Eugene Ipavec , 19 May 2009 Several Gajaba Regiment flags are displayed during a ceremony held today reported on the official Sri Lankan Army and Secretary of Defence websites: http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=650 http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090605_10 Esteban Rivera , 7 June 2009 image by Eugene Ipavec , 23 July 2009 There's an article on the Sri Lankan Army showing the flag of this military unit, the 22nd Battalion of the Gajaba Regiment Unit flag. Article: http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=968 For further information please refer to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gajaba_Regiment Esteban Rivera , 23 July 2009 Sri Lanka Armoured Corps image by Eugene Ipavec , 19 May 2009 I found yesterday, May 17, a link on the BBC website showing the victorious Sri Lankan troops inside the last LTTE stronghold. There they show a picture of several military flags: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8054826.stm . The flags seem to be from left to right: - Any Unit (Battalion) of the Regular of Volunteers Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment ( lk^army.html#4slli ), Sri Lanka flag , Sri Lanka Armoured Corps flag. For more info on the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lanka_Armoured_Corps . Esteban Rivera , 17 May 2009 Tricolor of black (?), white, red, with emblem from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SLAC-1-.png centered. Eugene Ipavec , 19 May 2009 Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB) image by Eugene Ipavec , 23 July 2009 The Sri Lankan Army official website shows the flag (more likely a banner) of Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB), which is a welfare and relief organization inside the Sri Lankan Army for its military personnel. Here's the link: http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=967 Esteban Rivera , 23 July 2009 Mechanized Infantry Regiment I believe the flag shown at http://www.army.lk/image_gallery/normal/mir_comd_4.jpg is the one of the Mechanized Infantry Regiment of the Sri Lankan Army. It is shown on the webpage at http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=1152 . Notice on the image the Army flag and the Mechanized Infantry Regiment on the right. Now, judging from that picture, I believe the Army flag is more yellow than the orange one can see in the Army flag in the middle stripe. For more information on the Mechanized Infantry Regiment of the Sri Lankan Army, please look at: http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=1152 (Official Sri Lankan Army article), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanized_Infantry_Regiment (Wikipedia) and http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080128_10 (Official Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence article). For the correct Order of Precedence of Sri Lankan Units, please refer to: http://www.army.lk/estab.php (Official Sri Lankan Army website ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lanka_Army_Order_of_Precedence (Wikipedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lankan_Army#Regiments_.26_Corps (Wikipedia) Esteban Rivera , 31 August 2009 Commando Regiment On March 15, Commando "saluted their fallen comrades in a befitting style Monday (15) evening at its Ganemulla Regimental Headquarters. The day’s elaborate arrangements that also marked the Regiment's 30th Anniversary took place in two phases; (1) opening of CR War Hero Memorial and (2) Award of felicitation certificates to disable CR War Heroes (Ranaviru Upahara) and family members of fallen War Heroes. The occasion was graced by none other than Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary Defence and Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army and a host of other guests. Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya and Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya greeted Mr Rajapaksa and Mrs Ioma Rajapaksa on arrival at the entrance to the Regimental Headquarters in the company of senior Army officers." Source: http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=1962 (official Army website) In the article, published the next day (March 16) one can see the flag of this Military Unit in the following pictures: http://www.army.lk/html/images/image/Photo%20story/CR_4.jpg http://www.army.lk/html/images/image/Photo%20story/CR_1.jpg http://www.defence.lk/img/20090603_B04.jpg The flag is a plain horizontal maroon flag with the insignia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SLCR.png ) on the middle. "The Sri Lanka Army Commando Regiment (CR) is an elite special operations unit which is a Regiment of the Sri Lanka army. Within one of the four Army Commando Regiments there is a 140-man counter-terrorist unit that provides the primary Counter-Terrorism response for Sri Lanka. This unit was created in 1980 and is based in Ganemulla, a suburb of Colombo". Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lanka_Army_Commando_Regiment Esteban Rivera , 20 March 2010 Other current unit flags Yesterday in a declared National Holiday by the President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa (also known as Percy Mahendra Rajapaksa), a Military Victory Parade was held in the towns of Velllamullivaikkal, Puthumatalan and Nanthikandal Lagoon, the last LTTE held territory: "Mullaittivu: Fluttering Division, Brigade and Unit flags of the Sri Lanka Army in Velllamullivaikkal, Puthumatalan showered their cool breeze on the entire Nanthikandal Lagoon and the Mother Sri Lanka alike when thousands of Army troops who toiled day and night for liberation of this tiny Nation in the past few months formally ceased their fire Wednesday (20) afternoon at 14.30 hrs during a military ceremony, headed by Major General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander Security Forces Wanni, General Officers Commanding, Brigade Commanders, Senior Officers and all ground commanders. Today’s military event, designed for official declaration of Silencing of Military Guns is unprecedented in the history of Sri Lanka, giving a humiliating blow to the world’s traditional myth that “Terrorism cannot be militarily defeated” as taught in military academia worldwide. A two-minute silence was observed by all as a mark of respect to their fallen War Heroes before commencement of the day’s proceedings and it turned out to be an emotional moment of burst to some of those soldiers who lost their fellow-troopers in action. The brief ceremony came to a close after all soldiers together with their superiors posed for a group photo, one that would bring immortal memories for generations. On the direct supervision of the Commander of the Army General Sarath Fonseka, Major General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander Security Forcers Wanni, 53 Division Commander Major General Kamal Gunarathna, 55 Division Commander Brigadier Prasanna Silva, 56 Division Commander Major General H.C.P. Gunathilake, 57 Division Commanders Major General Jagath Dias and Major General S. Sooriya Bandara, 58 Division Commander Brigadier Shavendra Silva, 59 Division Commanders Major General Nandana Udawatta and Brigadier C.P. Gallage, Task Force - 2 Commander Brigadier P.M.R. Bandara, Task Force - 3 Commander Brigadier S.D.T. Liyanage, Task Force - 4 Commander Colonel N.D. Wanniarachchi, Task Force - 5 Commander Colonel G.J.A.W. Galagamage, Task Force - 6 Commander Colonel K.A.C.H. Kodithuwakku, Task Force - 7 Commander Colonel A.W.M.P.R. Senevirathna, Task Force - 8 Commander Colonel G.V. Ravipriya, Area Headquarters Commander (Mannar) Colonel T.J. Nanayakkara, Area Headquarters Commander (Welioya) Colonel D.A.R Ranawaka and a host of Brigade Commanders, Unit Commanders and thousands of War Heroes in above Regiments actively contributed to the successful completion of the terrorist menace once for all." Source: http://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=511 NOTICE: The units mentioned above are likely to be the ones represented by their waving flags in these pictures (Official Sri Lanka Army website): http://www.army.lk/image_gallery/original/20lastfire3.jpg http://www.army.lk/image_gallery/original/20lastfire16.jpg http://www.army.lk/image_gallery/original/20lastfire9.jpg http://www.army.lk/image_gallery/original/20lastfire13.jpg http://www.army.lk/image_gallery/normal/20lastfire15.jpg Esteban Rivera , 21 May 2009 Ceylon Army Commander The flag of the (then) Ceylon Army Commander. HMSO 1958 gave the size as 9 inches to 12 inches (i.e. proportions 3:4). Miles Li , 26 July 2004 Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment Presidential Colour image located by Glen Hodgins , 24 April 2013 Here is an article (with an appropriate image) of the Presidential Colour recently awarded to the Sri Lanka Army Artillery Regiment: http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=SLA_Artillery_Regiment_Honoured_with_President_Colours_20130423_03 "In parallel to its 125th anniversary celebrations, the Sri Lanka Artillery Regiment was honoured with the President's and Regimental Colours by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa today (23rd April) at at a special ceremony held at the Regimental Headquarters premises in Panagoda." Glen Hodgins , 24 April 2013 First Army Crest 1949-1966 by Janith Leanage Second Army Crest 1967-1972 by Janith Leanage