NO. 2 HEAVY TRANSPORT SQUADRON MARKS 69 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
9:30pm on Wednesday 2nd September 2026
No. 2 Heavy Transport Squadron at SLAF Base Katunayake commemorated its 69th Anniversary today (02 September 2026), marking nearly seven decades of distinguished service to the nation.
The Squadron was established on 01 September 1957 under the command of Flight Lieutenant PH Mendis. Since its inception, the Squadron has been led by 33 Commanding Officers and is currently under the command and guidance of Wing Commander Kasun Kumara. Throughout its illustrious history, the Squadron has operated 17 different aircraft types, evolving from the Airspeed Oxford and DC-3 Dakota to the Harbin Y-12 and Y-8, before transitioning to its current fleet of Antonov An-32B and Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft.
As the Sri Lanka Air Force’s strategic air transport unit, the Squadron undertakes a wide spectrum of operational tasks, including scheduled air transport, Casualty and Medical Evacuation (CASEVAC/MEDEVAC), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations both locally and overseas, parachute training, VIP/VVIP transport, overseas deployments, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
During the Eelam War, the Squadron played a decisive role in sustaining the vital air bridge between Colombo and the Jaffna Peninsula for nearly two decades, from 1991 to 2009. In recognition of its exceptional service and sacrifice, the Squadron was awarded the President’s Colours in 2009.
Marking its 69th Anniversary, No. 2 Heavy Transport Squadron held the customary working parade, followed by a commemorative ceremony in honour of fallen heroes. As part of the anniversary observances, Squadron personnel also undertook a Shramadana campaign at Shobharamaya Temple, Kadirana, followed by an almsgiving programme to pay tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation.
The Squadron was established on 01 September 1957 under the command of Flight Lieutenant PH Mendis. Since its inception, the Squadron has been led by 33 Commanding Officers and is currently under the command and guidance of Wing Commander Kasun Kumara. Throughout its illustrious history, the Squadron has operated 17 different aircraft types, evolving from the Airspeed Oxford and DC-3 Dakota to the Harbin Y-12 and Y-8, before transitioning to its current fleet of Antonov An-32B and Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft.
As the Sri Lanka Air Force’s strategic air transport unit, the Squadron undertakes a wide spectrum of operational tasks, including scheduled air transport, Casualty and Medical Evacuation (CASEVAC/MEDEVAC), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations both locally and overseas, parachute training, VIP/VVIP transport, overseas deployments, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
During the Eelam War, the Squadron played a decisive role in sustaining the vital air bridge between Colombo and the Jaffna Peninsula for nearly two decades, from 1991 to 2009. In recognition of its exceptional service and sacrifice, the Squadron was awarded the President’s Colours in 2009.
Marking its 69th Anniversary, No. 2 Heavy Transport Squadron held the customary working parade, followed by a commemorative ceremony in honour of fallen heroes. As part of the anniversary observances, Squadron personnel also undertook a Shramadana campaign at Shobharamaya Temple, Kadirana, followed by an almsgiving programme to pay tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation.
