56 Division (Sri Lanka) Explained

Unit Name:	56 Division
Dates:	– present
Country:	Sri Lanka
Branch:	Sri Lanka Army
Size:	20,528
Command Structure:	Security Forces Headquarters – Wanni
Garrison:	Kokeliya, Northern Province
Commander1:	Maj Gen HGPM Kariyawasam

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 830km2 of territory.^[3]

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

Notes and References

1. Web site: 56 Division. Sri Lanka Army. 6 April 2014. https://archive.today/20140406154300/http://220.247.214.182/sfhqwanni/56_div.php. 6 April 2014. dead. dmy-all.
2. News: A new SLA division - and a new deadline. TamilNet. 18 October 1997.
3. Web site: History. Sri Lanka Army. 6 April 2014. https://archive.today/20140406152301/http://220.247.214.182/sfhqwanni/history.php. 6 April 2014. dead. dmy-all.
4. Web site: Organization. Sri Lanka Army. 6 April 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140407084307/http://220.247.214.182/sfhqwanni/organization.php. 7 April 2014. dead. dmy-all.