“Eastern Barrage” Live Firing Exercise Showcases Artillery Prowess at Tampitiya

The Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery demonstrated its firepower and tactical capabilities during the live firing exercise “Eastern Barrage,” conducted by the School of Artillery at the Artillery Field Firing Range, Tampitiya, from 18 to 22 August 2025. Organized in line with the Training Directive 2025 issued by Army Headquarters, the event aimed to enhance operational readiness and technical expertise. Major General K V N P Premaratne RSP USP nps psc, Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and Colonel Commandant of the Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery, attended as the chief observer, accompanied by Brigadier K L I Karunanayaka RWP RSP ndc, Commandant of the Army Training School (ATS) Maduruoya. The exercise was conducted under the supervision of the Commander, Artillery Brigade, Brigadier T G I A Ariyarathne RSP IG and the Commandant, School of Artillery, Colonel W S A B Dharmaratne RSP USP psc IG.

The exercise featured a wide range of weapon systems, including 120mm mortars, 122mm field guns, 130mm and 152mm medium guns, and 122mm Multi Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRLs). It focused on both tactical and technical aspects of artillery employment, such as live target acquisition, fire direction, and observation post duties, providing participants with valuable practical exposure.

Students from multiple artillery training courses participated, including the Observation Post Officers/Assistants Course No. 03, Long Gunnery Staff Course (OR) FD–20, Technical Assistance Trade Test 2025/2, Gun Nos’ 1 Course (Non-Tradesmen) – FD 395, Gun Layer Course No. 51, and Post Depot Course – FD 229. Senior officers, Commanding Officers, and other ranks from artillery regiments, as well as trainees and instructors from ATS, the Combat Training School (CTS), and the Special Forces Training School (SFTS), also attended. The exercise strengthened coordination, refined gunnery skills, and reinforced the Regiment’s commitment to maintaining high standards of training and operational readiness.