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	<id>https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?action=history&amp;feed=atom&amp;title=Special_Task_Force_%28Sri_Lanka%29</id>
	<title>Special Task Force (Sri Lanka) - Revision history</title>
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	<updated>2026-08-29T00:51:54Z</updated>
	<subtitle>Revision history for this page on the wiki</subtitle>
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	<entry>
		<id>https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special_Task_Force_(Sri_Lanka)&amp;diff=400289&amp;oldid=prev</id>
		<title>Delinker: Bot: The file File:STF SL flag.png has been removed, as it does not exist.</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special_Task_Force_(Sri_Lanka)&amp;diff=400289&amp;oldid=prev"/>
		<updated>2023-07-26T05:59:23Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Bot: The file &lt;a href=&quot;/wiki/File:STF_SL_flag.png&quot; title=&quot;File:STF SL flag.png&quot;&gt;File:STF SL flag.png&lt;/a&gt; has been removed, as it does not exist.&lt;/p&gt;
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				&lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot; style=&quot;background-color: #fff; color: #202122; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;← Older revision&lt;/td&gt;
				&lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot; style=&quot;background-color: #fff; color: #202122; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Revision as of 11:29, 26 July 2023&lt;/td&gt;
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		<author><name>Delinker</name></author>
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	<entry>
		<id>https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special_Task_Force_(Sri_Lanka)&amp;diff=376049&amp;oldid=prev</id>
		<title>Bot: robot: Create/update articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special_Task_Force_(Sri_Lanka)&amp;diff=376049&amp;oldid=prev"/>
		<updated>2022-12-17T10:08:41Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;robot: Create/update articles. If there is a mistake please report on my &lt;a href=&quot;/wiki/User_talk:Bot&quot; title=&quot;User talk:Bot&quot;&gt;talk page&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;New page&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div&gt;{{about|the Sri Lankan Counter-Terrorist force|the Indian Special Task Force|Special Task Force (India)|the South African police division|South African Police Service Special Task Force}}&lt;br /&gt;
{{Infobox military unit&lt;br /&gt;
| unit_name                     = Special Task Force&lt;br /&gt;
| image                         = STF SL badge.png&lt;br /&gt;
| image_size                    = &lt;br /&gt;
| dates                         = {{date and age|1983}}&lt;br /&gt;
| country                       = Sri Lanka&lt;br /&gt;
| branch                        = [[Sri Lanka Police]]&lt;br /&gt;
| type                          = [[Police tactical unit]]&lt;br /&gt;
| role                          = [[Air assault]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Bomb disposal]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[CBRN defense]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Clandestine operation]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Close-quarters combat]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Combat search and rescue]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Counterinsurgency]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Counterterrorism]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Covert operation]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Crowd control]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Direct action (military)| Direct action]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Executive protection]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Forward observer]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[High-value target]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Hostage rescue&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[HUMINT]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Indirect fire]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Irregular warfare]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Jungle warfare]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Law enforcement]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Medical evacuation]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Mountain warfare]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Parachuting]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Patrolling]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Psychological warfare]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Raid (military)| Raiding]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Reconnaissance]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Search and rescue]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Special operations]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Special reconnaissance]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Tactical emergency medical services]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Tracking (Scouting)|Tracking]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Urban warfare]]&lt;br /&gt;
| size                          = ~8000 (2017)&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite news | url =https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2004/41744.htm | title = Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, Sri Lanka|publisher =U.S. State Department |date= 28 February 2005}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| command_structure             = &lt;br /&gt;
| garrison                      = &lt;br /&gt;
| nickname                      = STF&lt;br /&gt;
| motto                         = නියතයි ජය&amp;lt;br&amp;gt; ([[Sinhala language|Sinhala]]: &amp;#039;&amp;#039;Victory Assured&amp;#039;&amp;#039;)&lt;br /&gt;
| colours                       = Marine Green; Gold&lt;br /&gt;
| march                         = &lt;br /&gt;
| mascot                        = &lt;br /&gt;
| battles                       = [[Sri Lankan Civil War]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;[[Second JVP insurrection]]&lt;br /&gt;
| anniversaries                 = 1 March&lt;br /&gt;
| notable_commanders            = &lt;br /&gt;
| current_commander             = Waruna Jayasundara&lt;br /&gt;
| current_commander_label       = Commandant&lt;br /&gt;
| ceremonial_chief              = [[C. D. Wickramaratne]]&lt;br /&gt;
| ceremonial_chief_label        = [[Inspector General of Police (Sri Lanka)|Inspector General of Police]]&lt;br /&gt;
| colonel_of_the_regiment       = &lt;br /&gt;
| identification_symbol         = [[File:STF SL flag.png|200px]]&lt;br /&gt;
| identification_symbol_label   = Ensign&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The &amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;Special Task Force (STF)&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039; ([[Sinhala language|Sinhala]]: විශේෂ කාර්ය බලකාය &amp;#039;&amp;#039;Visesha Karya Balakaya&amp;#039;&amp;#039;; [[Tamil language|Tamil]]: சிறப்பு அதிரடிப் படை) is  a tier 1 police tactical unit of the [[Sri Lanka Police]] specialising in clandestine and covert operations, combat and patrolling in urban areas, combat search and rescue, counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations, crowd control, executive protection, forward observer, hostage rescue, indirect fire, irregular warfare, jungle and mountain warfare, parachuting, psychological warfare, search and rescue people who are in distress or imminent danger from disaster. serving high-risk arrest and search warrants, special reconnaissance, support military operations, tactical emergency medical, tracking, and unconventional tactics. It was formed in 1983 not as a military force, but rather as a highly specialised armed police unit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Function ==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Sri Lanka Military 0204.jpg|thumb|STF [[Unicorn APC|Unicorn]] Armored Personnel Carrier]]&lt;br /&gt;
The STF heads counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, hostage rescue, serving high-risk arrest and search warrants 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, Sri Lanka|Eastern Province]] of Sri Lanka where the LTTE was wiped out. Some small number of units are placed in [[Mannar District]] and [[Vavuniya District]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Other units are based in [[Colombo]] and provide [[Very Important Person (person)|VIP]] security. The STF is internationally recognised 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.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite web|url=http://www.strategypage.com/dls/articles/200791921302.asp|title=The Deadly Mahasohon Brigade|publisher=StrategyWorld.com|date=September 19, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101055628/http://www.strategypage.com/dls/articles/200791921302.asp|archive-date=November 1, 2013}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;espn1&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite news | url =http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=oly&amp;amp;id=2653935 | title =Sri Lankan anti-terror police to advise on Beijing Olympics|publisher = Associated Press|date = 8 November 2006}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Formation ==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Sri Lanka Military 0117.jpg|thumb|STF contingent (armed with MP5s) at the 2012 independence parade]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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 weapon]]s and were given basic training in [[jungle warfare]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They deeply resemble a paramilitary organisation and later separate training facilities for the Special Task Force have been established in [[Kalutara District|Kalutara]], {{convert|42|km|abbr=on}} south of [[Colombo]]. The first [[platoon]]s formed were deployed in the North of Sri Lanka to provide additional support for police stations and to stem the LTTE separatists.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite news | url =http://www.photius.com/countries/sri_lanka/national_security/sri_lanka_national_security_strength.html | title = Strength, Sri Lanka | publisher =Photius Coutsoukis | date=12 November 2004}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The STF was enhanced considerably in 1983 when former [[United Kingdom|British]] [[Special Air Service]] (SAS) crack teams were brought in to provide specialised training in all aspects of counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite news | url =http://www.ipcs.org/Military_militaryBalance2.jsp?database=1002&amp;amp;country2=Sri%20Lanka | title =Military Balance, Sri Lanka | publisher =Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies | date =1 December 2002 | url-status =dead | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20061002155351/http://www.ipcs.org/Military_militaryBalance2.jsp?database=1002&amp;amp;country2=Sri+Lanka | archive-date =2 October 2006 }}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The SAS experts trained the STF troops at Katukurunda wing of the Police College, after making the training school into a sophisticated training complex. Further training was provided with assistance of [[Keenie Meenie Services]] in 1984.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-55071099|title=British mercenaries investigated over Sri Lanka war crimes|work=BBC News|date=30 November 2020}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Later, the STF experts took over from the SAS in 1988. Today the STF has a fully-fledged training wing, regarded as one of the best in South East Asia. 11 August 1984, that the Israel Security Agency [[Shin Beth]] was involved in the training of the Sri Lankan armed forces. Many officers belonging to Israel were also involved in the training of the Sri Lankan soldiers in Colombo.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite news | url =http://www.atimes.com/ind-pak/DC09Df04.html | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20020416181258/http://www.atimes.com/ind-pak/DC09Df04.html | url-status =unfit | archive-date =16 April 2002 | title = Sri Lanka: The untold story | publisher =Asia Times | date=26 October 2001}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Recently, the STF has received from [[Indonesia]] P2 APCs made by Sentra Surya Ekajaya to help the unit conduct their counterinsurgency operations against the LTTE.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite web|url=http://www.dmcindonesia.web.id/modules.php?name=News&amp;amp;file=article&amp;amp;sid=109|title=Menhan Tinjau Panser Produksi Dalam Negeri|date=2008-05-12|access-date=2009-01-08|language=id|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307120026/http://www.dmcindonesia.web.id/modules.php?name=News&amp;amp;file=article&amp;amp;sid=109|archive-date=2009-03-07|url-status=dead}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Operations ==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Sri Lanka Military 0258.jpg|thumb|STF Communication Unit]]&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:STF on mission.JPG|200px|right|thumb|STF troopers on Operation Definite Victory {{Deletable image-caption|date=May 2012}}]] --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
By 1987, heavily involved in the [[Sri Lankan civil war]], the STF was in control of the area from Kiran to Potuvil in the [[Batticaloa]] District. The STF was deployed in Company formation into 15 separate camps. When the [[Indian Peace Keeping Force]] was moved into the Batticaloa in 1987 as part of the ongoing peace process, the STF was in complete control of Batticoloa, and had restored a level of normalcy to the area. From 1983 to 1987 when the STF was in control over Batticoloa not a single STF camp had come under attack from the LTTE.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite news | url =http://www.sangam.org/PIRABAKARAN/Part47.htm | title =Nuda Veritas on The Muslim Factor | publisher =Ilankai Tamil Sangam | date=15 November 2002}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In 2019 STF involved in [[2019 Kalmunai shootout]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Operation Niyathai Jaya (Definite Victory) ===&lt;br /&gt;
{{main|Operation Niyathai Jaya}}&lt;br /&gt;
In its first major operation since the signing of the ceasefire agreement in 2002, Special Task Force troops launched a limited offensive named &amp;quot;Definite Victory&amp;quot; (In [[Sinhala language|Sinhala]]: නියතයිි ජය) on January 4, 2007 against [[LTTE]] rebels in the Kanchikudichcharu and Thoppigala south regions of the [[Ampara District]], as a reaction to the child abductions in Bakmitiyawa, [[Ampara]] and abduction of two teachers and 23 Tamil children in December 2006 while they were returning from extra classes to their homes.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite news | url =http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=347548&amp;amp;sid=SAS | title = Commandos take eight Tiger bases in Sri Lanka|publisher = [[Zee News]]|date= 13 January 2007}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite news | url =http://www.lankaeverything.com/vinews/srilanka/20070116005410.php?PHPSESSID=5b999d49f4ce70e551fcbe69a4f56026 | title =Torture chambers used by Tamil LTTE found: Defense Ministry | publisher =Lankaeverything | date =16 January 2007 }}{{dead link|date=May 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;MCNS - PRESS BRIEFING&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite news| url =http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=3547| title =MCNS – PRESS BRIEFING| publisher =Media Center for National Security| date =17 January 2007| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070928101053/http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=3547| archive-date =28 September 2007}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As a result of this offensive, the elite police commandos were able to overrun more than fifteen (15) rebel camps&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite news | url =https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/16/AR2007011600374.html | title =Sri Lanka says captures Tiger lines, kills 30 rebels |work = [[The Washington Post]]  |date= 16 January 2007 | first=Ranga | last=Sirilal | access-date=23 May 2010}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; including the Stanly Base, which was the main LTTE camp in the Ampara District&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite news | url =http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&amp;amp;DSNO=942304 | title =Sri Lankan military seizes more camps of rebel LTTE | publisher =Kuwait News Agency | date =14 January 2007 | access-date =2007-01-16 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200928/http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&amp;amp;DSNO=942304 | archive-date =2007-09-27 | url-status =dead }}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and a regional intelligence and supply camp of the LTTE,&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;To The Center1&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite news| url =http://www.tothecenter.com/news.php?readmore=637| title =Elite commando forces of the police over runs a large Tamil Tiger base in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka| publisher =To The Center| date =8 January 2007| access-date =2007-01-13| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070929022910/http://www.tothecenter.com/news.php?readmore=637| archive-date =2007-09-29| url-status =dead}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Bagayadi Base, where local and foreign foodstuffs and sanitary material was stored, Janak Base, which made clothing identical to [[Sri Lanka Army]] and Special Task Force uniforms,&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;Asian Tribune1&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite news | url =http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/4102 | title =Tamil Tigers in a death groan in the East of Sri Lanka, after the STF capture of Janak Camp in Amparai|publisher = [[Asian Tribune]]|date= 12 January 2007}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Jeewan Base, which was another supply camp from which the STF was able to recover four vehicles and the Diana Base where LTTE leaders meet. This camp was furnished with luxury items which were denied to the ordinary LTTE cadres.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite news| url =http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070113_09| title =Three LTTE camps tumble as STF advances in the East| publisher =Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka| date =13 January 2007| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070927174840/http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070113_09| archive-date =27 September 2007}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After the fall of Stanly Base, STF troops were able to find an explosive laden truck and a motor cycle that the rebels were planning to use to carry out suicide attacks in the capital of [[Colombo]]. And it is also reported that LTTE was housing a large number of [[child soldier]]s conscripted by them in this camp.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite news | url =http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/archives/asiapacific/2007110/99637.htm | title =Sri Lanka commandos capture truck packed with Tamil explosives|publisher = [[The China Post]]|date= 12 January 2007}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite news| url =http://www.sttammany.com/news-detail/article/780/rebel-base-f.html| title =Rebel base falls in east Sri Lanka| publisher =[[United Press International]]| date =12 January 2007| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070929205031/http://www.sttammany.com/news-detail/article/780/rebel-base-f.html| archive-date =29 September 2007}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Other than that, STF troops were able to recover a large quantity of arms and ammunition, coffins, large number of anti-personnel mines,&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;To The Center1&amp;quot;/&amp;gt; vehicles&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite news | url =http://english.people.com.cn/200701/11/eng20070111_340346.html | title =Rebel&amp;#039;s camp captured in Sri Lanka&amp;#039;s east|publisher = [[People&amp;#039;s Daily Online]] |date= 11 January 2007}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
, satellite and radio receivers, [[global positioning systems]], [[Electrical generator|power generators]], boats with name and logo of the [[Non Governmental Organization]] &amp;quot;[[Save the Children]]&amp;quot;, tents with the logo of &amp;quot;[[UNHCR]]&amp;quot; and a fully equipped hospital donated to the militants by a [[Netherlands|Dutch]] [[INGO]] named [[ZOA Refugee Care]]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite news | url = http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/COL227596.htm | title =Sri Lanka probes aid groups for suspected rebel links|publisher = [[Reuters]] |date= 11 January 2007}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This NGO donated hospital is named by the tigers as Thileepan memorial hospital. STF also said that they also found a water tanker truck donated by, the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) which is a front organisation of the LTTE, who collect funds especially in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] purportedly for civilians, but actually for the militant group.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;To The Center1&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite news| url =http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=3421| title =INGO Tsunami Aid Found in Newly Captured LTTE&amp;#039;s &amp;#039;JANAK&amp;#039; Camp| publisher =Media Center for National Security| date =11 January 2007| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090429224834/http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=3421| archive-date =29 April 2009}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite news| url =http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&amp;amp;item_no=126642&amp;amp;version=1&amp;amp;template_id=44&amp;amp;parent_id=24| title =Colombo tightens transport security| publisher =[[Gulf Times|Gulf Times Newspaper]]| date =10 January 2007| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070930210926/http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&amp;amp;item_no=126642&amp;amp;version=1&amp;amp;template_id=44&amp;amp;parent_id=24| archive-date =30 September 2007}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; However, aid workers argue that the supplies must have been taken after they evacuated their office due to heavy fighting. Jeevan Thiagarajah, the head of the Consortium for Humanitarian Agencies, has stated that the matter is simply a misunderstanding.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite news | url = http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/COL227596.htm | title =Sri Lanka probes aid groups for suspected rebel links|publisher = [[Reuters]] |date= 11 January 2007 |access-date=2007-02-10}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As a result of this mission STF troops able to kill four rebels and the STF commented that the militants were fleeing from the area without retaliating against their troops.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;MCNS - PRESS BRIEFING&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite news | url =http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/01/08/asia/AS-GEN-Sri-Lanka-Rebel-Base.php | title =Elite police overrun top rebel base in east Sri Lanka, says military |publisher = [[The International Herald Tribune]] |date= 8 January 2007}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Criticism ==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:44599102 20c003dd82.jpg|200px|thumb|Distributing water to the Tsunami effected refugees in Eastern Province]] --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The Special Task Force has been accused of various human rights abuses including [[extrajudicial killing]]s and involvement in the disappearance of individuals.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
* According to a [[United Nations]] commissioned study conducted in 1997, the STF was the arresting agency in 5% of the 1219 reported cases of disappearances in the [[Batticaloa district]] in [[North Eastern Province, Sri Lanka|North Eastern Province]] between 1988 and 1996.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite web&lt;br /&gt;
 | url = http://www.disappearances.org/mainfile.php/frep_sl_ne/78/ | title = CHAPTER 3: BATTICALOA DISTRICT | access-date = 2007-02-01 |date=September 1997 | work = Final Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Involuntary Removal or Disappearance of Persons in the Northern and Eastern Provinces |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061024173933/http://www.disappearances.org/mainfile.php/frep_sl_ne/78/ &amp;lt;!-- Bot retrieved archive --&amp;gt; |archive-date = 2006-10-24}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* Additionally, after a visit to Sri Lanka from 24 August to 5 September in the same year, UN Special Rapporteur Bacre Waly Ndiaye reported the existence of allegations that individuals had died &amp;quot;while in the custody of the Special Task Force of Sri Lanka in Colombo&amp;quot;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite web | url = http://www.hri.ca/fortherecord1998/vol3/srilankatr.htm | title = Sri Lanka: Thematic Reports – Mechanisms of the Commission on Human Rights | access-date = 2007-02-01 | work = Human Right Internet |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195058/http://www.hri.ca/fortherecord1998/vol3/srilankatr.htm &amp;lt;!-- Bot retrieved archive --&amp;gt; |archive-date = 2007-09-27}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* At least two incidents of extrajudicial killings involving members of the STF have also been noted by the Sri Lankan government or outside observers. Following the newest round of fighting between the government and the LTTE starting in April 1994, the mutilated bodies of between 21 and 31 Tamil males were discovered in rivers and lakes near Colombo.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite web |title=Sri Lanka Assessment: April 2000 - Country Information and Policy Unit |url=http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/486a53572.pdf |publisher=[[Home Office]] |access-date=6 July 2019 |location=London, U.K. |page=25 |date=April 2000}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
* On 17 August ten STF officers (and fifteen others) were charged with committing the murders, which allegedly took place at the STF headquarters in Colombo. In addition, at least 17 extrajudicial killings were carried out by Sri Lankan security forces (including the STF) in [[Eastern Province, Sri Lanka|Eastern Province]] in retaliation for LTTE attacks. Human rights monitors determined the deceased to be civilians, but security forces maintained that they were LTTE members.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite web | url = http://dosfan.lib.uic.edu/erc/democracy/1995_hrp_report/95hrp_report_sasia/SriLanka.html | title = Sri Lanka Human Rights Practices, 1995 | access-date = 2007-02-01 | author = U.S. Department of State | author-link = U.S. Department of State |date=March 1996 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070310183105/http://dosfan.lib.uic.edu/erc/democracy/1995_hrp_report/95hrp_report_sasia/SriLanka.html &amp;lt;!-- Bot retrieved archive --&amp;gt; |archive-date = 2007-03-10}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite web | url = http://www.infolanka.com/org/srilanka/issues/ai1.html | title = AIUSA testimony – Sri Lanka | access-date = 2007-02-01 | last = McDonald | first = James F. |date=November 1995 | work = InfoLanka}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Commandants of the Special Task Force==&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Sri Lanka Police#Ranks|SP]] Bodhi Liayange&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Sri Lanka Police#Ranks|SP]] Dharmasiri Weerakoon &lt;br /&gt;
* [[Sri Lanka Police#Ranks|SSP]] Zerney Wijesuriya&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Sri Lanka Police#Ranks|DIG]] Lionel Karunasena&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Sri Lanka Police#Ranks|DIG]] Dharmasiri Weerakoon &lt;br /&gt;
* [[Sri Lanka Police#Ranks|DIG]] Nimal Gunatilleke&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Sri Lanka Police#Ranks|DIG]] Nimal Lewke&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Sri Lanka Police#Ranks|DIG]] K.M.L. Sarathchandra&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Sri Lanka Police#Ranks|DIG]] R.W.M.C.Ranawana&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Sri Lanka Police#Ranks|DIG]] J.K.R.A. Perera&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Sri Lanka Police#Ranks|SDIG]] M. R. Latheef&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Sri Lanka Police#Ranks|DIG]] M.G.L. Gunathilaka&lt;br /&gt;
*DIG Waruna jayasundara&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Equipment==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Sri Lanka Military 0259.jpg|thumb|STF Counter-Terrorist Bomb Disposal Unit [[Bomb suit]] personal and Equipment]]&lt;br /&gt;
;Land vehicles&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Unibuffel]] – [[Land Mine|Mine-protected]] [[Armoured personnel carrier|APC]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Land Rover Defender#Military Defenders|Land Rover Defender]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Unicorn APC]]&lt;br /&gt;
* Disaster Management Amphibious Multi Unit Vehicles&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{Cite web|url=http://www.defence.lk/picturegallery/picc.asp?tfile=Sri_Lanka_celebrates_71st_Independence_Day_20190204_02&amp;amp;cat=CC|title=Picture Report {{!}} www.defence.lk|website=www.defence.lk|access-date=2019-02-06}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
;Mortars&lt;br /&gt;
* Type 84 (W84) 82&amp;amp;nbsp;mm [[Mortar (weapon)|mortars]]&lt;br /&gt;
* Type 89 60&amp;amp;nbsp;mm mortars&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
;Small arms&lt;br /&gt;
{{col-begin}}&lt;br /&gt;
{{col-2}}&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;Handguns&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Glock 17]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Beretta 92]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Smith &amp;amp; Wesson M&amp;amp;P]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[M1911 pistol]] &lt;br /&gt;
* [[Browning Hi-Power]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;Assault Rifles&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Type 56]] [[Assault rifles]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[CAR-15]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[M4 carbine]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[QBZ-95]]&lt;br /&gt;
{{col-2}}&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;Sub-machine guns&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Heckler &amp;amp; Koch MP5|H&amp;amp;K MP5]] [[Submachine Gun]]s&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Uzi]] [[Submachine Gun]]s&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;Sniper Rifles&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Heckler &amp;amp; Koch PSG1]] Sniper Rifles&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;Grenade launchers&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&lt;br /&gt;
* [[M203 grenade launcher|M203 Grenade launcher]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;Rocket launchers&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Type 69 RPG]] Rocket launchers ([[China|Chinese]] version of [[RPG-7]])&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;Missile launchers&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&lt;br /&gt;
* [[9K38 Igla|SA-18]] Missile launcher&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;Machine guns&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Ultimax 100]] LMG&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{{col-end}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Further reading==&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;#039;&amp;#039;The Perfect Soldier: Special Operations, Commandos, and the Future of U.S. Warfare&amp;#039;&amp;#039; by James F. Dunnigan&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Publisher : Citadel, Year:(June 1, 2003), Language: English, {{ISBN|0-8065-2415-4}} / {{ISBN|978-0-8065-2415-3}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== References ==&lt;br /&gt;
{{Reflist|2}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== External links ==&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://www.president.gov.lk/ President of Sri Lanka] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725214707/http://www.president.gov.lk/ |date=2011-07-25 }}&lt;br /&gt;
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150810070644/http://www.priu.gov.lk/ Government of Sri Lanka]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://www.defence.lk/ Ministry of Defence Sri Lanka]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://www.police.lk Sri Lankan Police Official Website]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://www.police.lk/new_web/divisions/stf.asp Official History]{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}&lt;br /&gt;
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061113053310/http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/Sri_Lanka/Default.htm SpecialOperations.com]&lt;br /&gt;
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070930031550/http://www.dailynews.lk/2005/09/01/sec03.htm &amp;#039;You give us courage, fortitude to safeguard country&amp;#039;s unity and territorial integrity&amp;#039;]&lt;br /&gt;
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080111164551/http://www.police.lk/divisions/stf.asp Sri Lanka Police Official Website excerpt]&lt;br /&gt;
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070930031550/http://www.dailynews.lk/2005/09/01/sec03.htm 21st Commemoration of STF war heroes : &amp;#039;You give us courage, fortitude to safeguard country&amp;#039;s unity and territorial integrity&amp;#039;]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{{Sri Lankan security forces}}&lt;br /&gt;
{{Sri Lankan Civil War}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Sri Lanka Police units]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Counterterrorism in Sri Lanka]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Indian Peace Keeping Force]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Bot</name></author>
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