Katukurunda Training School
STF Training School - Katukurunda

Where Warriors
are Born

Established April 1983 • In pursuit of Professional Excellence

A Legacy of Command

The STF Training School was established in April 1983 at Katukurunda under the leadership of then ASP Upali Sahabandu (The STF hero killed in action, Posthumously promoted to DIG). From its inception, the academy focused on setting a standard of excellence that would define the Special Task Force.

International Counter Terrorism Training

"Collaborative training with elite British SAS instructors (Special Air Service) provided the technical foundation that transformed our school into one of the most prestigious tactical training centers in South Asia."

Heritage

Mission & Philosophy

Our primary goal is the transformation of civilian recruits into elite counter-terrorism personnel through a rigorous, scientifically-backed training methodology. We focus strongly on positive teamwork, by training recruit officers and other ranks together. This concept fosters a binding spirit of laser focused teamwork.

Knowledge

Tactical theory, regional geopolitics, law enforcement protocols, and advanced intelligence gathering.

Attitude

Unwavering patriotism, discipline, mental resilience, and the ethical use of force in critical situations.

Skills

Weaponry proficiency (Intense training in wide variety of firearms), physical combat dominance, specialized technical expertise, and field survival - with strong emphasis on endurance.

Advanced Modules & Arsenal

Small Arms

Fire Arms & Sniping

Proficiency in T56, M16, MP5, Uzi, and Glock 17. High-precision sniping with Saco and Galil rifles.

Heavy Weapons

Combat Support Weapons

Mastery of 40mm, 81mm, 120mm mortars and RPG operations for combat landscape dominance.

EOD

Explosives (EOD)

Advanced identification, handling, and neutralization of explosive devices and IEDs.

Tactical Communication

Tactical Communication

Operating secure encrypted field networks and coordinating multi-unit task groups.

Combat Med

Combat First Aid

Trauma care under fire and stabilization techniques for field operation survival.

Water Operations

Waterborne Endurance

Specialized aquatic insertion, riverine combat, and survival swimming tactics.

Our Strategic Centers

A nationwide network of excellence

Katukurunda

Main Academy

The cradle of the STF.

Aranthalawa

Sub-Training Camp

Supporting the primary academy with specialized physical conditioning and field exercises.

Shastravela

Special Ops Camp

Designed for jungle warfare training and extreme endurance operations in rugged terrains.

Dediyawala

Language & Culture

Specialized Tamil language training and cultural awareness for community engagement.

Institutional Excellence

Our training standards go beyond the STF

Multi-Service Training

Recognized for its world-class methodology, the academy is frequently chosen to train elite personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Air Force, fostering inter-service synergy. We are proud to have also trained foreign military officers.

Command Structure

  • Director Training: Strategic & Acedamic Oversight
  • Chief Instructor: Training Wing Command
  • OIC: Administration Wing Operations

About STF

Welcome to the official website of the Special Task Force (STF) in Sri Lanka. The STF was established as an elite paramilitary unit in 1983 and is renowned for its exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation.

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