Sri Lanka Air Force Museum, A must see in Colombo Sri Lanka

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).

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

This museum has built after winning the 30 year war in northern part of Sri Lanka against the terrorists in year 2009.

It spans nine acres. Aircraft, weapons, war tanks and several other items manufactured in other countries and possessed by the Royal Air Force will be on display at the Museum in addition to items which are not available in those countries.

The uniform used by Sri Lanka's first Air Force Commander will also be displayed. Aircraft used in the humanitarian operations and models of aircraft will be among the other exhibits.
The Museum provides a great opportunity to study the history of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

You can get inside some of the big planes which in 1950s and 60s used as airliners when Ratmalana was the main airport in Sri Lanka. The museum displays different chapters of the Sri Lankan aviation history.

Under the continuous modernization efforts, the museum has established a comprehensive Aviation Research Reference Library, which will provide an opportunity for aviation enthusiasts to research on the field of aviation in the world as well as in Sri Lanka.

The museum is open to the public on all days other than Monday, public holidays from 9:00AM to 5:00PM

The museum is full of trees and nicely landscaped, you will not feel the heat even on a sunny hot day. Thus there is no specific recommended time to visit.

However you will need a minimum of 2 hours to see the entire place. If you are a fan on aviation it is better to have about minimum 4 hours to see in detail.

At the entrance you will be greeted by the Sri Lanka air force personnel and guide you to buy tickets.

The current ticket prices are very reasonable. Compared to what you get to see here the prices are worth and the experience you get here is amazing.

Entrance Fee

Sri Lankan Adult - Rs. 100.00
Sri Lankan Child - Rs. 25.00
Foreigners - US $10.00
Foreigner Kids - US $ 3.00

The ticket has the map printed nicely. However the air force personnel will brief in in couple of minutes on the map and what you could see or experience at each of the places.

Sri Lanka air force embarks on a mission of educating School Children on Aviation. The Air Force Museum conducts a 3 day workshop on “Aviation Fundamentals for Beginners” at the AF Museum Auditorium at Ratmalana.

This is happening every year during school holidays in August and December. This opportunity is only for 300 kids at a time. The applications to register will be available in the air force museum website on 1^st of August. This limited opportunity gets filled less than a week after calling for applications and be on alert to avoid disappointment.

The students will be given the basic insight of theories and scientific experiments related to aviation fundamentals with hands on experiments. They will be awarded with participation certificates and Young Aviator Club Identity Card.

- If you need explanation on any exhibit, do not hesitate to ask from the air force personnel around and they are very helpful.

- You cannot dine anywhere you like to eat as they do maintain this place with top quality. However there are 2 snack shops to eat and there are outside chairs available on some areas where you can sit and relaxed and eat some snacks.

It is a gigantic source of knowledge to those who aspire to become experts in aviation and aeronautical engineering. It is a source of enjoyment and enthusiasm for all age groups!