Sri Lanka Air Force in the “Garrison Town” in the past.

Renowned Sri Lanka Air Force Combat Training School in Diyatalawa is the premier training camp of the SLAF. And it is the primary ground combat training centre for SLAF Regiment and other ranks well known as “Cradle of the Air Force”. The establishment was taken over from the Royal Ceylon Air Force on 15th October 1952 at the “Stable Hill” where “Bently Parade Ground” is existed now. The camp area was used as a stable during the British rule; even now you can witness the remaining old buildings which have been converted as ballets were used as stables.

Since then under the auspices of the British Royal Air Force, training was first offered to Royal Ceylon Air Force personnel with the commencement of the first Instructors Course in 1952.

The first Officer Cadet Course was commenced on 19th February in 1953.From time to time according to the occasion demanded the courses and the training programme were changed.

The training was initiated by Flt Lt JVP Howard in April 1952 as the Chief Instructor and, due to the restructure of appointments the authoritarian of the Training Wing was appointed as the Officer Commanding Training (OCT) since January 1988. Flt Lt Pallewela being the first OCT and by now 28 OCTs commanded the Training Wing. Presently Group Captain AKW Lakshman is holding this prestigious appointment.

Customary Commissioning Parades of the Air Force were held at the “Bentley Parade Ground” for many years before SLAF Academy China-Bay amidst international and national dignitaries.

 

History in Pictures