Sri Lanka Air Force Museum re-opens for public

Sri Lanka Air Force Museum re-opens for public By Janaka Alahapperuma Nov 6, 2009
Sri Lanka Air Force Museum ceremoniously re-launched by the President Mahinda Rajapaksa on 5th November at Ratmalana Air Force Base. It was originally established in 1993 with the intention of preserving SLAF history of aviation and also as a storage unit. Later it has been restructured as the Sri Lanka Air Force Museum. However it is the only museum dedicated to aviation and the history of Sri Lanka Air Force in the Island. The new structure of the museum was re-launched under the guidance of Air Force chief Roshan Goonetileke. Now it has new exhibits, facilities and several hangers which house photo galleries, mini theaters and air craft of historical importance, equipment and war items used since 1951. Several vintage air craft, vehicles and equipments have been restored to operational condition. Among the new exhibits, LTTE's Zlin 143 light air craft shot down by SLAF during the suicide air raid on Colombo and other LTTE ammunition silenced by SLAF are on display. The museum is now opened to the public on all days from 9:00AM to 5:00PM other than Sunday, Monday, Public Holidays and Poya days. Reservation to visit the museum can me made online or through written communication. President Rajapaksa met ex-Air Force Commanders at the museum and Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonetileke presented a souvenir to the President. Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Sectary to the President Lalith Weerathunga, and the Higher Rank Officers of the Air Force also graced the occasion. (Pix By: Chandana Perera)