sentences:  Maj. Sunil Peris from 1GW, Capt.Sarath Handapangoda from 1st SR and three other ranks were selected as a "Core Group" and training commenced in the Ella Camp, Army Training Centre, Diyatalawa.On 9 February 1978 the first ever commando training course commenced, Lt U. Edirisinghe and Lt. P. Chandrawansa, and 24 Other Ranks were drawn from the Armoured Corps, Artillery, Engineers, Sri Lanka Light Infantry, Sinha Regiment and the Gemunu Watch on a volunteer basis.