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| Sunday, 11 December 2005 |
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Sri Lanka Armoured Corps celebrates 50 years The Ceylon Army was raised on October 10, 1949 and a decision was taken to expand the Army subsequently. One of the key decisions made was to introduce the decisive arm - Armour into the Army. This brought forth the birth of the first Regiment of Ceylon Armoured Corps (CAC) - the first reconnaissance regiment. The first cavalry regiment of the Sri Lanka Army thus came to be raised on Oct. 10, 1955 and commenced its embryonic stage as a squadron of Armour under the guidance of Major D. S. Attygalle. The armoured vehicles were first received by the regiment consisted of 4 mark 1 unturreted ferret scout cars. The reconnaissance troop also consisted of motorcycle combinations (side cars). Systematic training was continued at Ridiyagama in Southern Sri Lanka, which included driver training, gunnery training, radio training, assault trooper training and battle inoculation for all. On December 15, 1957, all troops moved to the Rock House Camp in Colombo 15. Rock House Camp thereafter became the permanent home of Armour and since then the corps has continued to celebrate December 15 as its founding day. The year 1958 brought a new chapter to the squadron and its development. The squadron was called upon to proceed to Batticaloa to deal with communal riots and was fully committed up to 1962. The year 1958 saw the squadron being elevated to the status of a regiment. The newly raised first reconnaissance regiment thus had two Reconnaissance Squadrons of three troops each. On January 01, 1984 the Armoured Corps Training Centre (ACTC) was raised in Kalattewa, Anuradhapura. The ceremonial parade to commemorate the 50th Anniversary will be held on December 15, 2005. A comprehensive book on the history of the corps will be launched concurrently. The Sri Lanka Armoured Corps Museum will be opened, a war memorial to honour the fallen war heroes will be unveiled and a special commemorative postal cover will be launched on December 15 at the Rock House Camp. |
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