SLAF BASE RATMALANA CELEBRATES 41ST ANNIVERSARY
SLAF Base Ratmalana marked 41 years of distinguished service to the nation yesterday (23 April 2026) with a series of commemorative events held at the Base. The celebrations began with the traditional Working Parade, which was reviewed by the Base Commander, Air Vice Marshal Dinesh Jayaweera. In his address to the parade, he paid homage to all former Base Commanders as well as successive generations of service personnel who have served at Ratmalana, recognising their dedication, professionalism and valuable contribution to the Base’s development.
As part of the anniversary programme, a Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival was held in the evening, featuring a range of traditional games and cultural performances. The Avurudu celebrations were organised in conjunction with Base Day, taking into account the prevailing national situation and the challenges faced by service members.
Adding further significance to the occasion, SLAF Base Ratmalana also conducted a community service initiative. Through this programme, assistance was extended to the Church of St. Joseph the Worker in Ratmalana, where personnel supported cleaning, painting and improvement activities to enhance the church environment as a more dignified place of worship.
The celebrations also served to honour the rich history of SLAF Base Ratmalana. The Base was officially declared open on 23 April 1985 by the late Hon. Lalith Athulathmudali, then Minister of Defence, at the invitation of Air Vice Marshal DC Perera. The Base was initially commanded by Wing Commander CN Thudugala and has since evolved into a key establishment of the Sri Lanka Air Force, expanding significantly in capability, strength and operational importance.
At present, SLAF Base Ratmalana accommodates several major flying units, including No. 4 VVIP Helicopter Squadron, No. 8 Light Transport Squadron and No. 61 Helicopter Flight, along with essential support formations such as No. 27 Regiment Wing, the Aeronautical Engineering Support Wing, No. 1 Information Technology Wing, No. 2 Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering Wing, the Airfield Construction Wing, and the Base Hospital. The Base further provides a range of facilities, including a sports complex with a rugby ground, swimming pool and squash courts, a museum dedicated to the aviation history of the Sri Lanka Air Force and a multi-function hall managed by No. 2 Leisure and Recreation Wing.
As part of the anniversary programme, a Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival was held in the evening, featuring a range of traditional games and cultural performances. The Avurudu celebrations were organised in conjunction with Base Day, taking into account the prevailing national situation and the challenges faced by service members.
Adding further significance to the occasion, SLAF Base Ratmalana also conducted a community service initiative. Through this programme, assistance was extended to the Church of St. Joseph the Worker in Ratmalana, where personnel supported cleaning, painting and improvement activities to enhance the church environment as a more dignified place of worship.
The celebrations also served to honour the rich history of SLAF Base Ratmalana. The Base was officially declared open on 23 April 1985 by the late Hon. Lalith Athulathmudali, then Minister of Defence, at the invitation of Air Vice Marshal DC Perera. The Base was initially commanded by Wing Commander CN Thudugala and has since evolved into a key establishment of the Sri Lanka Air Force, expanding significantly in capability, strength and operational importance.
At present, SLAF Base Ratmalana accommodates several major flying units, including No. 4 VVIP Helicopter Squadron, No. 8 Light Transport Squadron and No. 61 Helicopter Flight, along with essential support formations such as No. 27 Regiment Wing, the Aeronautical Engineering Support Wing, No. 1 Information Technology Wing, No. 2 Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering Wing, the Airfield Construction Wing, and the Base Hospital. The Base further provides a range of facilities, including a sports complex with a rugby ground, swimming pool and squash courts, a museum dedicated to the aviation history of the Sri Lanka Air Force and a multi-function hall managed by No. 2 Leisure and Recreation Wing.
