Introduction


Remember tradition does not mean that you never do anything new, but that you will never fall below the standard of courage and conduct handed down to you. Then tradition, far from being handcuffs to cramp your action, will be a handrail to guide and steady you in rough places.

– Field Marshal Sir William Slim

It is naturally difficult to document the history of any hundred year entity, especially one that has such a rich and proud legacy. The Sri Lanka Army Service Corps (SLASC) is the proud inheritor of the British regimental tradition interwoven with Sri Lanka’s own unique culture and history. The regimental tradition bequeaths a soldier with an identity similar to how an individual relates to his immediate family. Those fraternal regimental bonds continue regardless of rank, time, place and even after his service ends.

Artifacts of SLASC located in 2SLASC Mess: Grandfather clock with brass plaque indicating that it was presented by DSJ Lanktree, CO on 10.03.38, cupboard with WW1 Swagger stick, regimental crest from various periods, beer mugs of officers, silver ware and other items

This blog provides a brief written and photographic history of the Corps using material and stories passed down by my father, a former Commanding Officer of what is today the 2nd Battalion of SLASC, and by ex-servicemen and family members. Their stories and experiences contribute toward the Corps rich legacy and to its identity, and need to be preserved for future generations. Feedback and contributions to this blog in the form of historical photos and historical material are greatly welcome and appreciated. It is the hope that this website will serve in a small way as a repository of historical information on the regiment and its past and present members.

-Editor of the Blog