56 Division (Sri Lanka)

The 56 Division is a division of the Sri Lanka Army. Established on 17 October 1997, the division is currently based in Kokeliya in the Northern Province.^[1][2] The division is a part of Security Forces Headquarters – Wanni and has two brigades and six battalions.^[1] Brigadier D. A. R. Ranawaka has been commander of the division since 6 August 2012.^[1] The division is responsible for 830 square kilometres (320 sq mi) of territory.^[3]

56 Division
56 Division flag
Active	17 October 1997 (1997-10-17) – present
Country	Sri Lanka
Branch	Sri Lanka Army
Size	20,528
Part of	Security Forces Headquarters – Wanni
Garrison/HQ	Kokeliya, Northern Province
Commanders
Current commander	Maj Gen HGPM Kariyawasam

Organisation

The division is currently organised as follows:^[4]

• 561 Brigade
  • 16th Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment
  • 19th Volunteer Battalion, Gajaba Regiment (based in Kanakarayankulam, Northern Province)
  • 17th Volunteer Battalion, Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment
• 562 Brigade
  • 21st Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment
  • 11th Battalion, Sri Lanka National Guard

References

1. "56 Division". Sri Lanka Army. Archived from the original on 6 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
2. "A new SLA division - and a new deadline". TamilNet. 18 October 1997.
3. "History". Sri Lanka Army. Archived from the original on 6 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
4. "Organization". Sri Lanka Army. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.