http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/09/01/fea03.asp


At the beginning of the early 1980s, with the emergence of terrorist activities in the North and East, the Police in the course of their duties had to face armed attacks carried out by the terrorists. The terrorist attacks resulted in the killing of Police personnel, attacks on Police Stations and assassinations of VIPP. Hence the necessity arose for the formation of a special military arm within the Police Service to counter terrorist activities.In the light of the above situation, a Special Committee was appointed to investigate the Police functions in the past to combat terrorism and its shortcomings.The Ranasinghe Committee report recommended the need to establish a Special Strike Force to assist the Police Department, as the existing special units were not effective to meet the terrorists’ attacks.

Rider teamThereafter the government of Sri Lanka requested the Police Department to release 60 personnel to form a Special Force and obtained the services of Major. Ananda Weerasekara, Major S. Manawadu of the SLA (at present both hold the rank of Major General). After the initial training at Katukurunda combat training was given at Army Combat Training School at Ampara. After the training period, this group served under the leadership of ASP Bodhi Liyanage. Initially they were given training in the use of 303 Rifles and S.L.R. which formed the military wing of the Police Department as a Special Striking Force. ASP Bodhi Liyanage served only a period of 09 months. He was succeeded by SP Dharmasiri Weerakoon. SP Dharmasiri Weerakoon served as the head of the Special Strike Force from 01.12.1983 to 31.08.1984.This outfit was first deployed in the North to provide security to the Police Stations and to assist the Police to counter the terrorist threats. A section of this Unit was deployed in July 1983 to provide security in Wellawatte during the communal riots known as ‘Black July’. The remaining personnel, who were serving in the North, were deployed in Point Pedro, Velvettiturai and Kankesanturai Police Stations in Jaffna District.In February 1985, security in Batticaloa District was handed over to the Special Task Force (STF) by the Sri Lanka Army. The first S.T.F base was established in Kallady area N.K. Ilangakoon, ASP, (present Inspector General of Police) was the first Commanding Officer of S.T.F. troops in Batticaloa. Within a few months the S.T.F. was able to counter the terrorist activities of EROS, TELO, PLOTE and EPRLF successfully.History and Eelam Wars
First Eelam War - 23.07.1983 to 29.07.1987During this period the LTTE were able to subjugate the other terrorist organizations and become active in the Eastern Province. On 03.04.1985 the LTTE launched an attack on the Eravur Police Station. The S.T.F. personnel, who came to the assistance of the Police, launched a counter attack on the LTTE and inflicted heavy losses on them and saved the police personnel and the Police Station. The STF earned high praise of the Government and the Army.After this incident, Batticaloa and Ampara were brought under the control of the S.T.F. Four more Camps were established at Kiran, Karadiyanaru, Kalawanchikudi and Akkaraipattu and successful operations were carried out to control the terrorist activities.With the increase of LTTE activities in jungle areas of Kanjikudichiaru in Ampara, the S.T.F. established a Camp at Tirukkovil. A new command structure was established in Batticaloa North and South and ASP Ilangakoon and ASP Jayantha Gamage gave leadership to the troops to counter terrorist activities.Second Eelam War 10.06.1990 to January 1995The second Eelam War commenced on 10.06.1990 with the departure of the Indian Peace Keeping Force. LTTE Chief Negotiator Anton Balasingham, his wife Adela Balasingham, LTTE political leader Thamilchelvam, who came for peace talks, were provided security by the Special Task Force on the orders of the Government.With the attack on Security Forces in the East, taking of Policemen as hostages and killing of nearly 600 of Police personnel, the second Eelam War commenced. In order to restore civil administration in the East; an operation was carried out under the leadership of ASP Upali Sahabandu, a team of S.T.F. personnel via Yala sanctuary. Another team led by ASP N.K. Ilangakoon (the present Inspector General of Police) started from Moneragala Lahugala area, targeting the LTTE Camps located in the East.Third Eelam War - 19.04.1995 to 22.02.2002The Peace Accord between the Government and the LTTE in January 1995, broke down in April 1995. The LTTE which was at that time confined to the jungles, carried out unsuccessful attacks on STF Camps at Tikkodai, Porativu and Ambalanturai.During this time, DIG Dharmasiri Weerakoon who was the Commandant, met with a tragic death on 31.05.1998. Nimal Gunatilleke, DIG, who was attached to the N.I.B., was appointed as the new Commandant of the STF.STF troops who came in for praise from the then President, were deployed to assist SLA in the operation conducted by Major General Janaka Perera during the time of Elephant pass attack. SSP K.M.L. Sarathchandra and several other officers were sent to Jaffna area. From then until the end of cruel terrorist war, the STF rendered a great service to counter terrorism and more than 3/4th of the Ampara-Batticaloa District was brought under the control of the S.T.F.On 9.9.2003 DIG Nimal Gunatilleke relinquished his post as Commandant S.T.F. on medical grounds.Fourth Eelam War - 26.07.2006 to - 18.05.2009On 26.07.2006 with the collapse of the Peace Accord, the Government had with the LTTE, under the leadership of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Secretary of Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa an humanitarian operation was carried out to liberate the people who were undergoing great hardship under the LTTE organization, The STF gave fullest support to this operation. Then SSP R.W.M.C. Ranawana, who was in-charge of Operations in the East, launched the fourth phase of the ‘Niyathai Jeya’ operation. This enabled the STF to capture LTTE Kanjikudichiaru Base, known as ‘Stanley Base’ and all the LTTE camps in the jungle areas of the East.With this victory, under the guidance of Secretary of Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Senior DIG/STF Mahinda Balasuriya, the STF grew in strength. With the establishment of the Eastern Operational Headquarters in Ampara town on 16.10.2007, the STF joined up with the Security Forces to eradicate terrorism in the East.In an operation carried out by the Army with the assistance of the STF on the A5 Highway (Chenkaladi to Mahaoya), it was able to capture the area from Pullimalai to Chenkaladi junction, Lavaniaru, Unichchi, Vavunativu in Karadiyanaru area and established Camps in Kokkadicholai area too. DIG Nimal Lewke who rendered leadership to the STF left the STF on 23.03.2008.On 24.03.2008 K.M.L. Sarathchandra, DIG, assumed duties as the new Commandant of the STF. It was an important time in the activities of the STF.On 12.07.2010 the administration of the STF was brought under the direct control of the Ministry of Defence. This gave a new outlook for the STF.The STF which gave direct assistance to combat terrorism for 30 years took an important step to establish camps at district level to help the Police to maintain national security and public peace. At the present moment there are over 8,000 STF personnel attached to 69 Camps and Sub Camps throughout the island.In order to curb terrorism in Sri Lanka, STF gave valuable military assistance to the Sri Lanka Army from the time of the Mavil Aru Humanitarian Operation upto the end of the war.Similarly it was able to bring an end to the killing of civilians and other LTTE activities which took place at different locations in the East and in the jungle areas of Yala in a very short time. This was possible due to training given to Special Task Force Small Teams, who made discreet inquiries and carried out surprise raids on several occasions in the Yala jungle area.From the inception of the S.T.F. upto date, 461 STF heroes have sacrificed their lives in the defence of the country. Thirty one of them were personnel attached to Batticaloa Ampara Police divisions, six minor employees were killed due to the war. 792 STF personnel sustained injuries and were disabled due to the same reason.Specialized UnitsFor administration purposes of the STF, several Divisions were set up.The STF VIP Division: This Division was started in 1987, after a bomb attack in Parliament. Greater precautionary measures were taken to provide security to VIPP. This duty was entrusted to the STF, The training given to STF personnel, their expertise, dedication and experience were the reasons for the STF becoming the best security unit in Sri Lanka within a short time. From then upto now, this Division provides security to Royalty, Presidents and other VIPP with distinction.The VIP Division teams have undergone training both locally and abroad.

STF personnel trainingAfter the grenade attack in Parliament on 08.08.1987, The Search Team of the S.T.F. was established and deployed on VIP Security duties. The Bomb Disposal Team was given training by the Israel Police Department and from 2000 along with the Search Team, provided extra strength to the VIP Security. They perform duties as the Search and Bomb Disposal Squad. Presently the Bomb Disposal Unit of the S.T.F. has a specialized knowledge in handling of terrorist manufactured bombs (IED) and suicide cadres.All explosive devices taken into custody by the Police Department are now defused by this Unit. The duties of the S.T.F. in defusing bombs have increased. Apart from the duties carried out in Colombo area, the Bomb Disposal activities are carried out in other parts of the country as well.On 12.10.2007 the concept of Small Groups was further improved and a Unit known as ‘Cheetah’ was formed. Apart from the special Small Group training given to the S.T.F. further training was given in the use of Special Weapons, a Naval special training in coastal defence, training on the lines of the Army Special Forces, a Life Saving training in jungle warfare and a number of special training programmes were conducted and a specialized Long-Range Reconnaissance Small Teams were attached to the S.T.F.ASP Sylvester Wijesinghe, who gave leadership to this specialized units carried out several successful attacks. Several LTTE leaders, terrorists groups were eliminated and a large quantity of arms and ammunition belonging to the terrorists was recovered. After the dawn of peace the 'Cheetah' Unit was used with the other STF troops to conduct several operations in the jungle areas in Uva and Southern Province, large scale illegal ganja plantations, illegal slaughter of animals in protected jungles, and illicit felling of timber were detected and those responsible were taken into custody and produced in Courts. Further, this is Unit is prepared to perform any duties in the future to combat any possible terrorist threat. And again in the year 2005 another team of Motor Cycle Attack squad were trained by same German Instructor and Sri Lankan assistant. These teams were initially deployed on VIP protection which later with further training developed into an elite force. Again in 2006, the strength of this Unit was expanded by introducing more motorcycles and men. They are now deployed in Colombo, Kandy, Vavuniya and Southern Province in the island. This Motor Cycle Unit is definitely a source of great strength to the S.T.F.STF is in the process of forming a parachute unit. Though 24 members were trained by Indian Para Troopers in India and also by the Sri Lankan Para Troopers of the SLAF, we still say that we are in the process of developing this unit. Establishing of SWAT teams (special weapons and tactics teams) in the year of 2005 was another achievement in the path of success. This Unit provides protection to foreign ambassadors who arrive in Sri Lanka from time to time and also to special dignitaries. They were also deployed to provide protection to cricketers who arrived for the 2011 World Cup cricket tournament and who were residing in various hotels. Like in other security forces units, Women Police personnel were recruited to the S.T.F. on 15.12.1992, 31.05.1997 and 20.02.2010. Apart from office duties they were deployed for duties in operational areas as well as duties such as Search, Road Block, Communications, VIP Security, Computer and Administration duties. Though this unit was started with a limited number it has now expanded to a greater strength. In January 1988 STF established its Logistics Division at the Rear Head quarters at Gonahena. 4 sub divisions of Logistics too were established respectively in Vavuniya, Mahaoya, Ampara and Siyambalanduwa. The main Transport Unit of the S.T.F. is located Rear Headquarters, Gonahena. All STF vehicles are served and repaired here. This was the first Division to be established by the S.T.F. Sub Units of Main Transport Unit were later established in Katukurunda, Apmara and Vavuniya. An institution in the United Kingdom known as 'Kini Mini Service (KMS)' consisting of ex SAS officers initially undertook to provide special training to STF personnel. In the latter part of 1980, with the taking over of the training of STF personnel from the SAS Trainers, training duties carried out under the guidance of Upali Sahabandu, Supdt. of Police. A Jungle warfare training camp was established at STF Base Sastraweli in Arugambay area to provide special training to combat terrorism in Jungle areas. Another camp was opened at 18th Mile Post in Aranthalawa area to provide advance field training to STF troops. The Welfare Division of the S.T.F. is based at S.T.F. Headquarters, Colombo. Its main aim is to provide enhanced welfare facilities to dependants of the brave S.T.F. heroes who sacrificed their lives in facing the terrorists and for their dedication to duty. At present STF personnel render a great service by contributing to the 'S.T.F. Welfare Fund'. The following are the welfare work in which they are involved in.
1. Every year on September 1, a 'Pinkama ceremony' is held to commemorate the fallen STF heroes, with the participation of the dependants. 2. During the Sinhala/Tamil New Year period the homes of the dependents of deceased officers, are visited and presented with Gift Parcels. 3. Assistance was provided to officers to participate in National and International sporting events. 4. Financial assistance is given to obtain medical treatment to disabled officers and for other welfare facilities from the welfare fund. 5. Payment of gratuity to personnel who retire from service. 6. 'Get - togethers' are held for disabled officers and children to uplift their morale. 7. Financial assistance is also given to serving officers to meet funeral expenses of their relatives. 8. Scholarships are being given to School going children of those who sacrificed their lives. Two Welfare shops were opened at STF Headquarters, Colombo and at Rear Headquarters, Gonahena to enable STF personnel to purchase Electrical and other house hold items for a reasonable price on installment basis. Apart from their security duties, STF personnel are engaged in dengue control work. Assisting families affected by the tsunami. STF personnel based in Arugambay sea coast provides a great service to sea bathers in the area and up to now have saved more than 150 lives from drowning. The Communication Division which was established in 1983 has now improved to reach a very high standard. For nearly 30 years they have intercepted LTTE transmissions and provided valuable information regarding LTTE activities and thus helped to carryout successful operations. When the LTTE transmissions were functioning it was possible to find out the direction from where the LTTE transmissions originated and identified their locations. From the information received by them, the LTTE attacks on Tikkodai STF Camp, Ambalanturai camp were successfully repulsed. The information received from this Unit, helped to successfully to repulse the heavy attacks launched by the LTTE on the STF Camps and to launch counter attacks. The able support of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Secretary/Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa to the STF personnel in the Humanitarian Operation carried out to liberate the Tamil population from the inhuman terrorists is remembered with gratitude. The present commandant DIG R.W.M.C. Ranawana under the direction of IGP N.K. Ilangakoon has taken action under the 'Mathata Thita Programme' of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to eradicate organized crime, drug trafficking, illicit felling of timber, illicit cultivation of Ganja, illegal sand mining and other violent crimes, in order to create a peaceful society. Courtesy:dailynews.lk