Captivated by the image of a Sri Lankan Combat Rider, I’m whisked back to childhood dreams of riding dirt bikes and battling foes, only to realize the real-life prowess and history of the Sri Lankan Special Forces Regiment.
A Sri Lankan SOF Combat Rider takes to the bush.
When I first saw this pic, it jumped out at me and caught my attention. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been fascinated by motorcycles, especially dirt bikes. I got my first one at age five and rode it like a madman, scaring the hell out of my mother. This would have been my boyhood dream come true…I could ride my dirt bike and blast the bad guys at the same time…childhood fantasy fulfilled.
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The cool thing that I see today, as an adult (more or less), is that such a thing exists in the form of the Sri Lankan SOF Combat Rider Unit.
A Sri Lankan Combat Rider, part of the Sri Lankan Army Special Forces Regiment. Note the “Combat Rider” and “Special Forces” shoulder tabs. Image taken 7 OCT 2009 by Chamal N. Used courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
A Brief on the Sri Lankan Special Forces Regiment
History
The Special Forces Regiment traces its roots to the formation of the Combat Tracker Team in 1985. Over time, due to the escalating conflict during the Sri Lankan Civil War, the unit was expanded and refined to what is now known as the Special Forces Regiment.
Training
Special Forces candidates undergo a rigorous selection process followed by intense and specialized training. The training includes basic military training, advanced commando techniques, airborne training, counter-terrorism, and jungle warfare, among others. The training regime is known to be physically and mentally demanding.
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Role
The primary roles of the Special Forces Regiment include direct action, unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism. They have been crucial in numerous operations during the civil war, including deep penetration missions in LTTE-held territories.
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Structure
The regiment is organized into several battalions, with each battalion specializing in a particular set of skills or roles. For example, some battalions are specifically trained for maritime operations, while others might focus on long-range reconnaissance.
Significance in the Civil War
The Special Forces played a pivotal role during the Sri Lankan Civil War, particularly in the latter stages. They were instrumental in gathering intelligence, conducting raids in enemy territory, and neutralizing high-value targets.
Motto
The motto of the Sri Lanka Army Special Forces is “Determined, Dared, and Done.”
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Insignia
The insignia of the Special Forces depicts a Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife superimposed over a pair of wings, signifying the airborne capability and the lethality of the regiment.
The Sri Lankan Special Forces, along with the Commando Regiment, formed the spearhead of many military operations during the civil war and continues to be a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s defense apparatus.
