 In 1949, when the Ceylon Army was formed, Captain Dharmapala transferred to the Ceylon Volunteer Force into the 2 (Volunteer) Battalion, Ceylon Light Infantry.In 1950, volunteer detachments were established in Galle and Matara, Captain Dharmapala was put command of the detachments.In 1954, Ruhunu Regiment was formed with Captain Dharmapala in command of the B Company based in Galle and Matara.