Special Task Force (Sri Lanka)
| Special Task Force | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1983 – present |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Branch | Sri Lanka Police Service |
| Type | Special Forces/Light Infantry |
| Role | Special Operations Force, Domestic Counter-Terrorism, Close Protection and Law Enforcement |
| Size | Approx. 6000 personnel |
| Nickname(s) | STF |
| Motto(s) | Niyatha Jaya (Certain Victory) |
| Engagements | Sri Lankan Civil War |
| Commanders | |
| Commandant | Snr Deputy Inspector General of Police M.R Latheef |
| Inspector General of Police | Pujith Jayasundara |
The Special Task Force (STF) (Sinhala: විශේෂ කාර්ය බලකාය Visesha Karya Balakaya Tamil: சிறப்பு அதிரடிப் படை) is an elite special forces unit of the Sri Lanka Police specializing in counter-terrorism (CT) and counter-insurgency operations. It was formed in 1983 not as a military force but rather as a highly specialised police unit.
The STF heads counter-terrorism missions and – as the most highly trained police organisation in Sri Lanka – it would be the lead unit whenever law enforcement forces engaged the Tamil Tigers (LTTE). The STF is mostly stationed in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka where the LTTE was wiped out. Some small number of units are placed in Mannar District and Vavuniya District.
Other units are based in Colombo and provide VIP security. The STF is internationally recognized for its expertise in these areas and it is often invited to assist foreign law enforcement agencies with planning major events such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics and in dealing with possible terrorist threats.
When the Special Task Force (STF) was formed in 1983, it comprised mainly existing policemen. It was headed by the 1960 Rome Olympian and existing Senior Superintendent of Police, Dharmasiri Weerakoon. The STF were trained by the Sri Lankan Army in the handling of Infantry weapons and were given basic training in Jungle warfare.
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Wikipedia