Security Forces Headquarters – East Explained

Unit Name:Security Forces Headquarters – East
Dates:31 October 2003 – Present
Allegiance: Sri Lanka
Size:3 divisions
Garrison:Aselapura Camp, Welikanda, Polonnaruwa
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Anniversaries:31 October
Battles:Sri Lankan Civil War
Current Commander:Maj. Gen. Aruna Jayasekera
Identification Symbol Label:Shoulder badge

Security Forces Headquarters – East (SFHQ-E) is a regional command of the Sri Lanka Army, responsible for the operational deployment and command of all army units stationed in and around the country's Eastern Province. The command was established on 31 October 2003 with 2 divisions, and currently consists of the 22 Division, 23 Division and 24 Division, a total of 8 brigades.[1] The current Commander, SFHQ-E is Maj. Gen. Santhusitha Pananwala, in office since 2 November 2017.[2]

Like the other area commands of the Sri Lanka Army, it coordinates operations and deployments of ground units of the Navy, Air Force and Police with that of the army in the area.[1]

Area of responsibility includes Trincomalee District, Batticaloa District, Ampara District and Polonnaruwa District

Composition

Past Commanders

RankNameTenure[5]
Maj. Gen.N. Mallawaarachchi31 October 2003 – 19 December 2004
Maj. Gen.G. Hettiarachchi 20 December 2004 – 11 May 2005
Maj. Gen.T.T.R. De Silva12 December 2005 – 18 May 2006
Maj. Gen.N. Wijesinghe19 May 2006 – 18 December 2006
Maj. Gen.P. Pannipitiya18 December 2006 – 28 December 2007
Maj. Gen.J.J.P.S.T. Liyanage28 December 2007 – 16 November 2008
Maj. Gen.S.M. De A. Rajapakse16 November 2008 – 30 November 2009
Maj. Gen.J.C. Rambukpotha30 November 2009 – 1 February 2010
Maj. Gen.S. Udumalagala11 February 2010 – 27 December 2010
Maj. Gen.M.H.S.B. Perera1 January 2011 – 22 August 2011
Maj. Gen.S.A.A.L. Perera23 August 2011 – 19 February 2015
Maj. Gen.N.J. Walgama20 February 2015 – 14 January 2016
Maj. Gen.K.M.U. Wijeratne15 January 2016 – 31 October 2016
Maj. Gen.D.D.U.K. Hettiarrachchi1 November 2016 – 27 March 2017
Maj. Gen.D.S.N.K. Senadeera 29 March 2017 – 2 November 2017
Maj. Gen.H.W.M.S.D.B. Pananwala2 November 2017 – 8 November 2018
Maj. Gen.K.P.A. Jayasekera9 November 2018 – Present

Notes and References

  1. Web site: History of SFHQ (East). Sri Lanka Army- SFHQ(E). army.lk. 28 March 2018.
  2. Web site: New East Commander Assumes Office. Sri Lanka Army. army.lk. 28 March 2018.
  3. http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/07/14/spo10.asp Security Forces on a realistic path to achieve the set target, Dailynews
  4. http://www.sundaytimes.lk/081123/Columns/sitreport.html Bitter battles, heavy toll, Tiger strongholds under siege
  5. Web site: Past Commanders of SFHQ (East). Sri Lanka Army- SFHQ(E). army.lk. 28 March 2018.