For centuries the Kingdom of Kandy was a proud domain of brave and duty conscious men, who boldly resisted various forms of invasion. Their stories of conspicuous gallantry continue to inspire this
nation. Kandy is a town laden with history from the majestic Sri Dalada Maligawa to the old colonial buildings and streets that make this location an explorer’s paradise. Located on Kings Street, adjacent to the old Anglican Church is the home of the 2(V) Battalion Ceylon Sinha Regiment. I was fortunate to stay at the Officers’ Mess and appreciate the wonderful history of this camp.
Boers War
Since the formation of the Ceylon Volunteer Force on April 1 1881 by government gazette 4396, the first Ceylonese men received their military training. Subsequently, in 1882 the Ceylon Mounted Infantry was formed by a British officer, Colonel Gordon Reeves at Madolkalle Estate. Thereafter, Ceylonese troops were deployed to engage the enemy in the Boers War (South Africa). During this time the British brought back 5,089 prisoners of war, and detained them at Diyatalawa (this was the reason that buildings were initially set up in this old garrison town, which was later the foundation for the Army Training School which is today known as the Sri Lanka Military Academy). The St. Paul’s Church in Kandy has a banner of appreciation which was given to the Ceylonese soldiers, by His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught, recognizing their efforts during the Boers War.
Mounted Statue
One of the first visuals as you enter this compound is a magnificent green statue of an officer proudly holding a rifle in one hand, his other hand in control of the horse. This statue was made in London in the year 1906 and gifted to the army by one Geraldine Blake, whose brother was a military officer. The statue was originally to be placed near the Kandy Railway Station, but the town authorities relocated it to Dalada Veediya. Later, Lt. Colonel Panabokke is said to have got the statue and placed it in the compound of the Sinha Regiment camp, where it stands today. The compound has many old buildings which have withstood the sun and the rain. A two storied white building is the present office of the camp commander and his adjutant. This structure was once an old prison, where the British detained the men who fought and led rebellions for our independence. A sergeant pointed out to me that even the brigand Saradiel was held in one of these cells. The wooden staircase leads to the first floor, where the arched windows still have their escape - proof iron bars. Each iron door has a flexible sliding device that opens a peep hole.
This was how the British would perhaps check on the inmates during their night rounds. The present officer commanding, Major Priyantha Abeysekera said, “We maintain these buildings, and are proud of our regiment’s history”. The walls display brown and white photos of Ceylonese officers, along with colour photos from the last two decades. From the balcony you can see the flag mast and parade square. I noticed a hand painted inscription on the wall which had a quote from General Montgomery, “Infantrymen - without them you cannot win a battle. Without them you can do nothing at all”.
Two Black Bears
The most beautiful building capturing the aura of British - Ceylon is the Officers’ Mess. The ancient Bungalow has an imposing visual with 8 sturdy columns in an open verandah. The wall is mounted with the heads of deer and moose which have been hunted decades ago. As I walked into the hallway, I was surprised to find two black bears staring at me! Yes the heads of two black bears are mounted on either side of the wall. The right side of the Mess has a display of old rifles, kept inside a grotto. These old rifles were once weapons of defence. Next to it is a glass rack that has many trophies showing the achievements of the regiment. The left side dining wing has portraits of senior officers and an exhibit of cap badges and uniform buttons. The Ceylon Sinha Regiment was styled on the British Green Jackets, a unique regiment in Her Majesty’s armed forces, whose history dates back to the Royal Dragoons guards. Going into this old Bungalow the third area has a glass cupboard with two of the regiment’s flags. In 1958, the Mess was relocated to the Suisse Hotel, which was then nationalized.
Subsequently, the Mess was relocated again to Kings Street, Kandy. One of the framed photos suspended on the wall shows Colonel Derrick Nugawela, a distinguished student of Trinity College, Kandy, and a planter who did yeomen service to the regiment. Col. Nugawela was the officer commanding in 1967. He subsequently went to Sydney, Australia and later returned to Sri Lanka. In 1976 it was from this venue that the members of the regiment held the first parade at night time, with the participation of then army commander Major General Sepala Attygalle.
Sinha Raja the elephant
During the battle of 1992 in Vavuniya the soldiers from this regiment rescued an injured elephant calf, and brought him to Kandy. He was named Sinha Raja and donated to the Sri Dalada Maligawa. The elephant was received by late President Ranasinghe Premadasa in the presence of the then Diyawadene Nilame. Since then Sinha Raja has taken part in the Dalada Perahara, bringing much joy to the men stationed in this camp. To this date the service of meals at this particular Mess uphold the serving traditions of Old Ceylon. The immaculate white table cloths and green ribbons on the chairs instil a nostalgic aura.
The cutlery and crockery are embossed with the regiment’s emblem. After each meal this ancient military establishment has a unique tradition of serving sweetened black coffee in a small demitasse cup. My brief overnight stay here with Major Nalin Marasinghe (SLLI) was a rewarding experience.
Photos show the old rifles, bear and deer heads and mounted statue