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Sri Lanka Army - Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR)

Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, raised 1 December 1980 but amalgamated with the Rajarata Rifles. The VIR was reraised 15 November 1988.

Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) troops with its 655 officers and 16,501 other ranks [as of early 2012] of both regular and volunteer battalions to its credit boast of a series of unique achievements and victories both at combat and other levels. As of the year 2010 the consisted of no more than 15 battalions, 5 of which had been formed since the year 2000. These were the 11th, 14th, 18th, 19th and 22nd Battalions. Sri Lankan Regiments do not have Battalions numbered 13, but otherwise are generally pretty good about not skipping numerical sequence.

The VIR Regimental Headquarters, situated in a serene and huge coconut grove, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, was established on 23 April 1993 after it was originally raised in Sinhawilluwatta, Puttlam on 22 March 1990.

The Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment War Heroes whose unmatched military prowess and unbeaten warfare skills during the final phase of the War for Peace resulted in the slaying of the world’s most ruthless terrorist leader, V. Prabhakaran, were hailed, commended and duly recognized Saturday (23) morning by none other than the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya himself who at that period of time served as their overall Commander for Wanni Security Forces. Felicitation of those VIR War Heroes who joined hands together in the battlefield to strom LTTE supremo’s hideouts in and around Nandikandal lagoon, Puthukkudiyiruppu and brought death and destruction to the LTTE till the last, occurred at the VIR Regimental Headquarters at Boyagane, Kurunegala, headed by Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya gracing the occasion as Chief Guest.

Early in the year 2010, the VIR opened its newly-built spacious office complex at its Headquarters. VIR troops entered the sphere of motor racing after it produced its own racing track in the premises with its annual Vijayabahu Motocross, becoming more and more popular every year. The Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) Headquarters at Boyagane, Kurunegala, added further grandeur and dignity to its premises 23 April 2012 when the troops invited the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya to ceremonially open their newly-built archway at the entrance to the VIR Headquarters. The Chief Guest of the day, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army at the entrance to the VIR Regimental Headquarters was warmly welcomed by Colonel of the Regiment, Major General R.V. Samarathunga and other senior officers where he was invited to open the newly-erected archway, cutting a ribbon, amidst chanting of Seth Pirith by members of the Maha Sangha. The new archway, made of hard stone reminds of ancient royal architectural designs with gate-keepers (doratupala) remained vigil throughout day and night.