History Of VFTS

History Of VFTS
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
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History Of VFTS
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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History Of VFTS
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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History Of VFTS

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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History Of VFTS







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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History Of VFTS
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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History Of VFTS
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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History Of VFTS
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
CC
- WO II
Clerk
- S/Sgt
Clerk
- Cpl
Clerk
- Pte
Admin Wing (05 x 99)
Training Wing (26 x 123)
OffrsTrg
Section
ORs and Recruit
Trg Section
- 01
- 01
- 01
- 02
- 02
Trg support
group
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History Of VFTS
Attached
MT Section
Admin group PRI
The Headquarters is the main element of the training school whichtradesmen
consists
of the commandant, SO II (Adjutant), RSM, chief clerk, chief drill instructor and
clerks.
The staff of the Headquarters
Adjutant
Maj
KKIA Kumara SLLI
Commandant
Col
SB Kohona
RSM
WO I
RM Hemachandra
CC
WO II
Rajapakshe KAD
Page 9
DI
WO II Susantha
Wijerathna WM
History Of VFTS
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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History Of VFTS
Staff of the Admin wing
SO 1
Lt Col
RMH Jayatissa GR
Admin Wing WO II
S/Sgt
Bandularathne Mohottuwala MRP
OC Admin wing
Maj
PWS JinasomaVIR
Mess Manager
Maj
JAAP Jayasuriya SLA
MTO
Lt
EKA NishanthaSLSR
Quarter Master
Capt (QM)
PA ChandrawimalSLLI
Pl Comd - SLAWC
Lt
RPDS RathnayakeSLAWC
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History Of VFTS
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
CO
Lt Col
WSKLiyanawaduge RSP SLLI
CI
Maj
AT Hajji SLNG
CC
WO II
Kumarasena BM
Page 12
Training Officer
Lt
DSS Lankeshwara SLNG
History Of VFTS
Officer Instructor
MajDWMSPWijeko
onVIR
Officer Instructor
Maj HMIK
SamaranayakeSLSR
Officer Instructor
Capt
HMSK Herath NCC
Officer Instructor
Capt
GA Sithara GR
Officer Instructor
Lt
WAAS Weerathunga NCC
Officer Instructor
Lt
TM Thilakasiri SLNG
Officer Instructor
Lt
DMGI HerathSLGSC
Officer Instructor
Capt
PPPrasannaSLNG
Page 13
Officer Instructor
2/Lt
APMG Rupasinghe GR
History Of VFTS
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
Lt Col
Lt Col
Lt Col
Col
Brig
Col
Brig
Col
Lt Col
Lt Col
Col
Col
Col
WRB
NWPU
SDAR
WDLP
GK
GK
NB
NB
WDLP
MRCS
RM
RM
PA
SB
Lt Col WRB
Rathnayaka SLLI
01.12.1988 - 30.08.1999
RathnayakaSLLI
Nawimana GR
Chandrasighe(Over Looking)
WickramasingheRSP SLLI
WikramasingheKSV
WikramasingheKSV
Weragama
Weragama
WikramasingheRSP
Fernando GR (Over Looking)
Kumarasinghe
Kumarasinghe
DayanandaRSP
Kohona
01.12.1988 - 30.08.1999
30.08.1999 - 01.11.2002
01.11.2002 - 01.01.2003
01.01.2003 - 21.10.2004
21.10.2004 - 08.12.2005
09.12.2005 - 12.02.2007
12.02.2007 - 12.07.2007
13.02.2007 -07.12.2007
07.12.2007 - 07.02.2009
11.02.2009- 19.03.2009
19.03.2009 - 01.12.2009
01.12.2009-02.12.2012
02.12.2012 - 02.06.2014
02.06.2014 - Up to date
Lt Col NWPU
NawimanaGR
Col WDLP
Wickramasinghe RSP
30.08.1999 - 01.11.2002
01.01.2003 - 21.10.2004
07.12.2007 - 12.02.2009
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History Of VFTS
Col
GK Wikramasinghe KSV
21.10.2004 - 08.12.2005
08.12.2005 - 12.02.2007
Brig
NB Weragama
Col
RM Kumarasinghe
12.02.2007 - 12.07.2007
12.07.2007 - 07.12.2007
01.12.2009 - 02.12.2012
Col
PA Dayananda RSP
Col
SB Kohona
02.12.2012 - 02.06.2014
02.06.2014 - to date
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
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History Of VFTS
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 reestablish 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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History Of VFTS
Commanding Officers
Lt Col NGGS
Thilakarathne SLSR
Lt Col DAJ
Jayasekara SLSR
25.07.2008 - 15.06.2009
15.06.2009 - 15.12.2009
Lt Col
AJGunawardena RSP SLSR
Lt Col
AR Obeysekara SLSC
26.01.2010 - 05.06.2012
06.06.2012 - 01.01.2013
02.01.2013 - 29.03.2014
Lt Col WSK
Liyanawaduge RSP SLLI
03.29.2014 - Up to date
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History Of VFTS
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
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
Page 18
04.09.2008-06.06.2009
History Of VFTS
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
WOI PLSL
Cooray
WOI KPJ
Karunarathne
WO I EPD
Kulasinghe
WO I DM
Premarathne
10.07.1987 - 20.07.1995
WWV
22.08.1995-11.11.1997
12.11.1987-13.07.1998
USP
14.07.1998-01.02.2001
16.05.2001-04.10.2005
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History Of VFTS
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
WO IPLSL
Cooray WWV
WO1KPJ
Karunarathne
10.07.1987 - 20.07.1995
22.08.1995 - 11.11.1997
12.11.1987 - 13.07.1998
WO I
EPD Kulasinghe USP
14.07.1998 - 01.02.2001
DM
WO I
Premarathne
16.05.2001 - 04.10.2005
Page 20
WO I DM
Abekoonbanda
04.10.2005 - 01.03.200
History Of VFTS
WO I SM
WijesundaraBandara
WO I
RKASB Ranaweera
WO IKWAM
Podimahaththaya
03.03.2007 - 25.02.2008
25.02.2008 - 28.11.2008
01.12.2008 - 28.07.2009
WO IASSarathkumara
Siriwardana
WO I KP
SudathPriyantha
WO I G
Wiamalarathne
14.09.2009 - 04.10.2010
04.10.2010 - 12.01.2011
22.04.2011 - 08.03.3013
WO I RM
Hemachandra
01.05.2013 - Up to date
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History Of VFTS
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
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
Somadasa
Page 22
History Of VFTS
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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History Of VFTS

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.

It is timely seasonable to note those important happening of the
history for the transparency of the sequence of incidents.
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.
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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History Of VFTS
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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History Of VFTS
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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History Of VFTS
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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History Of VFTS
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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History Of VFTS
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 Computer
to give a fair
knowledge on regimental accounts
training
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








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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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History Of VFTS

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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History Of VFTS
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
Page 31