Security Forces Headquarters – Wanni Explained

Unit Name:Security Forces Headquarters – Wanni;
Dates:6 November 1998 – Present
Allegiance: Sri Lanka
Size:5 divisions
Garrison:Joseph Camp, Vavuniya
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Anniversaries:6 November
Battles:Sri Lankan Civil War
Current Commander:Maj. Gen. Hemantha Bandara RWP RSP USP
Identification Symbol Label:Shoulder badge

Security Forces Headquarters – Wanni is a regional command of the Sri Lanka Army, that is responsible for the operational deployment and command all army units stationed in and around the southern part or the Vanni region of the Northern Province, this includes several divisions and the independent brigades. Currently due to ongoing combat operations it is the largest command in the country. It is one of the five Security Forces Headquarters and the General Officer Commanding it is one of the most senior officers in the army, the post is designated as Commander Security Forces Headquarters - Vanni. The current Commander SFHQ-W is Major General Hemantha Bandara. The SFHQ-W is based at the defense complex at Vavuniya.

Although it is primary a command 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 that area. The Sri Lanka Navy units in the Northern Province come under the North Central Naval Area Command and Sri Lanka Air Force units come under its own Northern Zonal Command.

Area of responsibility includes Anuradhapura District, Vavuniya District, and Mannar District.

Composition

Previous Commander Security Forces Headquarters - Wanni

References

  1. http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/06/01/sec02.asp Two Security Forces Headquarters established in Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi
  2. http://sundaytimes.lk/991107/frontm.html Big shake-up in high command