Air Women Fire Fighters, part of the Sri Lanka Air Force Fire Service, who took part in notable fire rescue missions during the past years are due to conclude their services in the coming month. The Air Women Fire Fighters are set to retire from service after 15 years of valuable service to the Nation.
 
The Sri Lanka Air Force Fire Service was established in March 03rd, 1951, during the formation of the Royal Ceylon Air Force. During the aftermath of the 1996 Central Bank Bombing by the LTTE, the SLAF decided and recruited 28 female fire fighters into the ranks of the SLAF fire services.

The recruits on completion of Basic Course at SLAF Diyatalawa, were attached to SLAF Katunayake to follow their trade course. Upon completion of the trade course, they were attached to the SLAF Fire and Rescue Unit at Darley Road (During the period when the Colombo Fire Brigade was managed by SLAF).

During their period of service, they performed many duties including:
•    Fire Unit Emergency Duty Control
•    Fire Fighters as First Turn Out
•    Members of Breathing Apparatus crew
•    Members of First Aid crew

They were also active participants of several Fire Rescue Missions:
•    Coir product factory at Ja – ela
•    Fireworks manufacturing factory at Kimbulapitiya
•    Rexine (Jin Woon Lanka) Bag product company at Ja – ela
•    Mattress manufacturing company at Ragama

In addition to the trade course, the Air Women Fire Fighters completed Basic Rescue Course under the instruction of the then Sqn Ldr Nissanka (who retired as a Gp Capt) and F/Sgt Indrasoma. Demonstrating their capabilities and skills, Air Women Fire Fighters took part in their final conference and practical session held at the Fire Unit Colombo with the Chief Fire Officer, on 21st May 2012.