SLAF BASE RATMALANA CELEBRATES 37TH ANNIVERSARY
The SLAF Base Ratmalana celebrated its 37th Anniversary today (23 April 2022). On the 23rd of April in the year 1985, then Minister of Defence (Late) Hon. Lalith Athulathmudali declared open SLAF Base Ratmalana on the invitation of then Commander of the Air Force, Air Vice Marshal DC Perera. The Base was initially commanded by Wing Commander CN Thudugala and expanded its strength and capacity over the period of time. At present SLAF Base Ratmalana is commanded by Air Commodore KGDN Jayasinghe.
The Base is home to the No.04 VVIP Helicopter Squadron, No. 08 Light Transport Squadron and the 61 Helicopter Flight. In addition to the flying formations, it presently houses number of supporting formations namely, No.27 Regiment Wing, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Wing, Aeronautical Engineering Support Wing, Air Field Construction Wing and Base Hospital along with a rugby ground, squash court, swimming pool and a multi-functional reception hall. Apart from that Ratmalana Air Base famous for the Museum which depict the aviation history of the SLAF. The Base contributed immensely during the Elam war and during the present day COVID-19 vaccination programme. The Base holds significance with the re-opening of the Ratmalana International Airport and provides assistance for its smooth function.
The day's proceedings began with the formation day parade in participation of all lodger formations followed by the customary all ranks breakfast. A series of community service projects were carried out in par with the celebrations starting with Shramadana Campaigns at ‘Yashodaradevi Lama Niwasaya’ and ‘Horethuduwa Lama Niwasaya’ with Lunch for the two children’s homes respectively.
The Base is home to the No.04 VVIP Helicopter Squadron, No. 08 Light Transport Squadron and the 61 Helicopter Flight. In addition to the flying formations, it presently houses number of supporting formations namely, No.27 Regiment Wing, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Wing, Aeronautical Engineering Support Wing, Air Field Construction Wing and Base Hospital along with a rugby ground, squash court, swimming pool and a multi-functional reception hall. Apart from that Ratmalana Air Base famous for the Museum which depict the aviation history of the SLAF. The Base contributed immensely during the Elam war and during the present day COVID-19 vaccination programme. The Base holds significance with the re-opening of the Ratmalana International Airport and provides assistance for its smooth function.
The day's proceedings began with the formation day parade in participation of all lodger formations followed by the customary all ranks breakfast. A series of community service projects were carried out in par with the celebrations starting with Shramadana Campaigns at ‘Yashodaradevi Lama Niwasaya’ and ‘Horethuduwa Lama Niwasaya’ with Lunch for the two children’s homes respectively.
