Sri Lanka Air Force Museum
Museo de la Fuerza Aérea de Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Air Force Museum (Kandawala, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia) – located just 16 km. south of Colombo, this is 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 museum offers a unique insight not only into the history of the SLAF but also a comprehensive picture of aviation in general including the basics of aviation technology.
Starting from the Royal Air Force (RAF) operations during World War II to the combat operations of the SLAF in the recent past (the civil war with the “Tamil Tiger” rebels), the museum offers a detailed depiction of the evolution which has shaped the SLAF into the highly successful fighting force it is today. There are several activities for school children such as sliders, swings and they can even climb in to some of the planes. A dramatic exhibit here is a destroyed rebel (LTTE) aircraft from the country’s recent civil war. Admission: US$10 (tourist adult), US$3 (tourist child), Rs. 100 (local adult), Rs. 25 (local child). Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (closed on Mondays and public holidays).