and Maj S.D. Peiris, GW was appointed officer commanding, and Capt. Sarath Handapangoda was appointed as second in Command. Shortly after that, the squadron received specialised training in anti-terrorist and anti – hijack techniques conducted by the members of the elite Special Air Service of the British Army. The Commandos were later trained in parachuting at Agra, India and they performed their maiden display during Army Day celebrations on 10 October 1980. 4 December 1980, the Squadron moved to its new premises in Ganemulla. In 1981 the Commandos were employed in counter terrorist operations in Jaffna for the first time. It also performs special duties in the Presidential Security Division. To meet the operational requirements the Commando Regiment was expanded and a Commando Brigade was formed on 18 March 1997.4 Commando regiment was formed before the 3 Commando Regiment on 15 March 2003 which is responsible for VIP protection, hostage rescue and anti terrorist tasks and war dog operations. Four groups which were conducting long range patrols since 1995 was converted into the third regiment was formed 1 August 2007 with Maj Uditha Bandara as the Commanding officer. Organisation The Commando Regiment consists of four regular battalions. The Regimental Headquarter which includes the Regimental Centre and the Regimental Headquarter Battalion handles administration and welfare while the four regular battalions are organised into the Commando Brigade (CDO BDE) which comes under the operational command of I Corps. Functions Current CR roles are believed to include Special Reconnaissance Counter Terrorism Hostage Rescue Direct Action Covert operations Air Borne Operations Executive protection Formations Commando Brigade (CDO BDE) 1st Commando Regiment 2nd Commando Regiment 3rd Commando Regiment 4th Commando Regiment VIP protection group I (Presidential Security) VIP protection group II Anti hijacking & hostage release group War dog group Regimental Headquarter Battalion Training Schools Commando Regiment Training School, Uva Kudaoya Commando Regiment Specialized Warfare Training School, Vidathalathive, Mannar Military operations With the commencement of the 4th phase of the Sri Lankan Civil War (often cited as 4th Eelam war), the Commandos and Special Forces were tasked to conduct deep operations to disrupt and deny the freedom of action of LTTE. Commandos were able to disorientate the LTTE Leadership by conducting Ambushes and Raids by inflicting attrition on LTTE, thus forcing them to deploy more troops for their rear area security. Their operations shaped up the battlefield creating a favorable situation to launch a historical