Sri Lanka Air Force Station Palaly, the only Air Force establishment located on the Jaffna Peninsula, celebrated its formation day on 1 January, 2011.

It is a well established arm of the SLAF, which served as an essential hub to facilitate both civil and military existence in the Northern theatre. SLAF Station Palaly played a major role in the security operations since the beginning of the separatist war where intense flying operations were carried out from its airfield.

The lineup of events held in view of the celebrations began one day prior to the anniversary on 31 December 2010 with a Shramadana campaign conducted at the Vasavilan Madhya Maha Vidyalaya. The school provides education for underprivileged children who are facing severe hardships due to lack of proper educational infrastructure. In addition to the Shramadana, gift packs containing educational material were given to the children of the school to enhance their creative ability.

The Formation Day celebrations began with a Working Parade held at the premises of the Station Headquarters. The parade was inspected by Commanding Officer of  SLAF Station Palaly, Group Captain Athula Kaluarachchi.

This was followed by a tree planting campaign and a thrilling cricket tournament where all members of the Station participated in true comradeship. Another highlight at the celebrations was the inauguration of the Social Club of the Corporals and LACs of the Station after renovating the former building with various modern facilities. The day’s proceedings concluded on a note of fellowship with an all rank’s lunch.


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