Sri Lanka Air Force Museum — Attraction in Western Province

Welcome to the official portal of the Sri Lanka Air Force Museum, Sri Lanka's only national museum dedicated to the field of aviation as well as the history of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).

At the museum, our primary focus is to provide unparalleled service to all our visitors towards expanding their knowledge on the field of aviation which covers both the technological aspects as well as the historical aspects.

So we kindly encourage you to peruse through our site and use it to plan your Visit to this kind of modern aviation museum in Sri Lanka. The museum is open to the public on all days from 9:00AM to 5:00PM except Mondays and holidays. HS 748 Avro Popular transport aircraft, the Hawker kidney HS 748 has been in service with the Sri Lanka Air Force since 1979. Powered by Roils Royce engines. It is capable of carrying 52 passengers. This aircraft was obtained from Air Ceylon and extensively used for logistic support to palely in the separatist war. FT-5 Aircraft The FT-5 (JJ-5) was developed to serve as a trainer for the Chinese J-SA fighter, which is the Chinese version of the MIG-17 series built for the peoples liberation Army air force (PLAAF) of china. The sri lanka air force (SLAF) inducted two FT-5 s in 1990 after along period of absence of Jet aircraft in the SLAF fleet. The FT-5 s were put on long term storage in 2001 and were handed over to the museum in 2009. Hunting Percival Jet provost T.51 The Jet Provost (commonly called as the JP) was the first jet aircraft to be purchased by the. Royal Ceylon Air Force (RCyAF). A total of 12 Jet Provost T.51s were inducted in 1959, and used as basic jet trailers. Due to its capability of being armed, the JPs' were used for operational flying during the 1971 insurgency. Call: +94 772 444 445 The museum is opened to the public on all days other than Monday, Public Holidays from 8:30AM to 4:30PM. Email: museum@airforce.lk Web: www.airforcemuseum.lk RVFV+FJC, Ratmalana, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia 3.5 km · 15 min Located in: Sri Lanka Air Force...

The Rathmalana Air Force Museum is one of the most unique and historically rich destinations in Sri Lanka, located within the Sri Lanka Air Force Base in Colombo. As the country’s only national aviation museum, it proudly displays a wide collection of aircraft, helicopters, weapons, vehicles, uniforms, and historical artifacts used by the Air Force throughout the years. The museum not only reflects the technological growth of aviation in Sri Lanka but also honors the brave men and women who served the nation.

This year, we had the amazing opportunity to host our Pizza Hut annual get-together at this iconic venue. It was a perfect blend of history, pride, and celebration. The spacious outdoor setting, surrounded by retired fighter jets and helicopters, created a truly awe-inspiring backdrop for our party. It made the event feel so special and meaningful.

The event was full of laughter, dancing, and unity. The live performance by the energetic music band "Line in One" added so much life to the evening. Their music got everyone on their feet, dancing and singing along. All our Pizza Hut crew members enjoyed every moment—eating delicious food, taking photos with aircraft, and sharing joyful memories.

This get-together wasn’t just a party—it was a celebration of our hard work, friendship, and team spirit. The Air Force Museum added a patriotic and powerful touch to the event, reminding us of the value of teamwork, discipline, and dedication. Being in such a meaningful place made the day even more unforgettable.

We left with full hearts, stronger bonds, and beautiful memories. The Rathmalana Air Force Museum will always hold a special place in our...

The only national museum dedicated to history of aviation industry in Sri Lanka. Very descriptive and informative of the history of Sri Lanka Air Force from its inception from the Royal Air Force times. It will take a good half-a-day for a complete run through, but it's advisable to make it on two separate days as you will be tired half-way. Tickets are below the reasonable value, given the importance of exhibits, historical nature of artifacts on display and the maintenance cost. But I don't agree charging more from foreigners. Directions and information are clearly marked, but there are no staff or guides to respond to inquiries/explain exhibits to visitors. You are allowed to bring in your own snacks/drinks. The demo air ride was fun and is an excellent experience to everyone who have never flown.

Parking is problematic as the visitor vehicles aren't allowed to enter the premises, you can park roadside but at your own risk.

Another area for improvement is - there is no proper cafe or restaurant for visitor use. SLAF having a separate hospitality arm, they can easily open a good cafe/restuarant on the premises.

Extending the opening hours and introducing some fun/interactive activities specially in the evenings, will make the place more attractive and happening - resulting more engagement with the public and more income to SLAF.

The efforts by the current Commanding Officer Gp Capt Sumanasekara and the team to maintain the place in the present condition (despite many obstaces) and to conduct various training courses on aviation fundamentals to kids is...