M&A - Sri Lanka Air Force Museum - 2015

Sri Lanka Air Force Museum

Colombo – Ratmalana AFB

Located just a short taxi ride from the centre of Colombo, this is an active military base which has the Air Force Museum co-located. Prior permission is not needed to visit the museum but care does need to be taken. A little more on that later.

As soon as you start walking around this museum you see the connections the Country used to have with the UK in years passed, with the Jet Provost, Dove, Heron and a Boulton Paul Balliol (in immaculate condition). The collection numbers over 50 aircraft and helicopters, with several types having more than one example on display. Over half of the collection is outside in and around trees, affording some shade, and the main hangar (there is more than one) houses over a dozen. Aircraft that the Air Force purchased from Russia, China, Italy, the USA; a very eclectic mix. The history is told and the exhibits are, mostly, kept in good condition (there is a diorama depicting crash remains, a Dove is in a peculiar colour scheme and the fuselage of a Heron serves as the bar – and very welcome it is too !).

It is of course possible to be in and out promptly but I would advise taking your time. In the heat it makes it far more comfortable to stroll but it also gives the time to enjoy this interesting and well-kept collection.

The mesh perimeter fence on two sides of the museum separates you from the active base and vegetation growing on the fence helps to conceal activity. Nevertheless you may well see some Mil-8’s, some Bell 212’s and maybe a Harbin Y-12; the Air Force is quite active here. It is probably tempting to get right up to the fence with your camera. But be warned – the footpaths along the fences are under camera surveillance so try not to get carried away !!

Sri Lanka has much to offer as a tourist destination, a place in which to relax or explore. It has much to commend it. The Sri Lankan people, all those I met, were very warm and friendly, very hospitable. There is food to suit all tastes. This is a Country which, once visited, you would want to go back to.

Author and Photography Peter Nelson