AIR FORCE

MUSEUM

Est. 1951 Ratmalana, Sri Lanka

✈ Plan Your Visit

WITNESS THE WINGS OF THE NATION

Step inside the Sri Lanka Air Force Museum at Ratmalana and journey through decades of aerial heritage. From legendary aircraft to preserved artefacts, explore the courage, innovation and sacrifice that shaped Sri Lanka's skies.

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40+ Aircraft on display across multiple hangars

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Tue – Sun 8:30 AM – 4:15 PM, closed Mondays and public holidays

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Ratmalana Air Force Base, Sri Lanka

Visitor Information

The Collection

Museum Hangars

Main Hangar

Collection of vintage aircraft used by SLAF since inception.

Hangar No. 01

Extensive photographic collection depicting the past and present of the SLAF and the rich aviation history of Sri Lanka.

Hangar No. 02

Positioned in a professionally landscaped area.

Hangar No. 03

Dedicated to Civil Engineering exhibits showcasing infrastructure development and engineering heritage of the SLAF.

Hangar No. 04

Displays various vehicles used by the Sri Lanka Air Force from the era of the Royal Air Force to the modern day.

Engine Bay

Features a wide range of aircraft engines from vintage aircraft used by the SLAF.

The Knowledge Hub

Opened on March 11, 2013, this library houses rare aviation books on SLAF and RyCAF aircraft.

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Legacy & Heritage

FROM THE ARCHIVES
OF OUR HISTORY

The Royal Ceylon Air Force

The Royal Ceylon Air Force was born on 2nd March 1951. The founding of the Royal Ceylon Air Force began with the presentation of 41 of 49; Bill No. 41 of 1949.

RAF AND RCYAF

Thus did the control of the Katunayake Base pass from British hands to Ceylonese ones In similar fashion, the Government acquired control of the British Naval Base in Trincomalee.

The Dawn of Insurgency

On 15th January 1971, the No. 1 RCyAF Trade Training School, Katunayake, came into being to provide formal training for Officers and Aircraftsmen in their branch or trade.

Zonal Command — A New Structure for War

when he introduced a Zonal Command system to help the Air Force respond to the intensifying operational requirements.

EXPLORE. DISCOVER. INNOVATE.

Our Services

Aviation Courses

Explore our aviation education programmes — from guided tours to specialist workshops for all ages.

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Souvenir Shop

Discover exclusive SLAF memorabilia, scale models, and collectibles.

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Handicraft Shop

Discover unique handcrafted items inspired by Sri Lanka's aviation heritage.

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Craft Lab

Get hands-on with our craft lab, where you can learn about the art of aircraft construction and restoration.

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Photobooth

Capture your memories at our interactive photobooth, featuring iconic SLAF aircraft.

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Juice Bar

Refresh yourself with our selection of fresh juices and snacks.

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Wings of History

About Museum

As Sri Lanka's only national aviation museum, the SLAF Museum offers aviation enthusiasts of all ages a truly unique experience. From RAF operations during World War II to the combat missions of the modern SLAF, the museum showcases the remarkable evolution that has shaped the Air Force into the successful fighting force it is today.

From RAF to SLAF – A Living Legacy

The museum houses invaluable historical artifacts spanning from the WWII-era RAF operations at Ratmalana to the present day. Each aircraft tells a story of transformation and dedication, meticulously preserved by SLAF engineers within this operational air base, giving the museum its unique real-life appeal.

History Preserved, Stories Told

First established in 1993 as the Aircraft Preservation and Storage Unit, the museum underwent a major modernization in 2008 under Air Chief Marshal WDMRJ Goonetileke. Today, it stands as a world-class facility where combat jets, transport aircraft, and even a captured LTTE aircraft stand as living chapters of Sri Lanka's aviation heritage.

What Visitors Say

VISITOR
REVIEWS

Hear from those who have walked through our hangars and experienced the proud legacy of the Sri Lanka Air Force first-hand.

4.7

Based on Google Reviews

View All Reviews

Anuruddhika Erandi

Very nice place to visit both adults and children. Well maintained premises and there are lot of old helicoptes and vehicles that are used by sri lanka air force. The experience given by them in an air plane is fantastic.

Anjana Silva

The Sri Lanka Air Force Museum in Ratmalana is an essential visit for anyone interested in the nation's aviation heritage. As the country's only museum dedicated to this field, it provides an unparalleled, educational and deeply engaging experience for history buffs and families alike.

Our Legacy in Numbers

Years of Aviation History

Aircraft on Display

0K+

Visitors Welcomed

Rare Military Honours