Sri Lanka Air Force Unveils New State-of-the-Art Headquarters

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) unveiled its brand new headquarters complex in Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte.

President Ranil Wickremasinghe, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, officially declared the headquarters open on 1st of January 2024.

The event was graced by a dazzling aerial display by SLAF aircraft, including Bell 212s, Bell 412s, MI-17s, Y-12s, AN-32B, and F-7s. 

The ten-story Air Force HQ, seamlessly integrated into the combined Defence Headquarters complex, boasts modern infrastructure facilities like high-standard security systems, well-equipped office spaces, cafeterias, generators, water storage tanks, libraries, and more.

Each block within the complex is dedicated to a specific service branch – Block 4 for the Air Force, Blocks 6 and 7 for the Army, and Block 3 for the Navy.

The construction project, a testament to the dedication and expertise of the SLAF, saw 14 Air Force Engineering Officers and 1400 Airmen contribute under the direction of Air Vice Marshal Rohan Pathirage.

In the President’s address to the occasion, he highlighted that the inauguration of the new Air Force Headquarters, equipped with cutting-edge technology, is a significant milestone, enabling the provision of crucial technical expertise for future challenges. The Air Force plays a vital role in positioning Sri Lanka as a defence hub in the Indian Ocean, emphasizing the need for advancements in knowledge and technology to fulfil this role effectively. The establishment of the Air Force Headquarters within the Army Headquarters is a pivotal step towards modernizing defence infrastructure, including the transformation of the previous Air Force Headquarters to the Police Headquarters in future. Strategic plans involve optimizing existing facilities and converting vacated areas into a vibrant tourist zone, aligning with broader urban development objectives and promoting economic diversification.

Adding symbolic significance to the day’s landmark event, the President inaugurated the office of the Commander of the Air Force at the new Air Force HQ. A brief discussion ensued in the Commander’s new office, graced by the President, along with the State Minister of Defence, National Security Advisor, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and  Chief of Defence Staff.