Sri Lanka Air Force Museum Ratmalana
Explore Sri Lanka's aviation history with a vast collection of vintage aircraft, jets, and helicopters.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Sri Lanka Air Force Museum Ratmalana
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Sri Lanka's aviation history with a vast collection of vintage aircraft, jets, and helicopters.
"An amazing museum full of history, one of the best museums in the country."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially outdoors. Comfortable footwear is a must!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is available, but bringing your own is a good idea, especially on hot days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vintage Aircraft Collection
Outdoor Exhibit Area
Marvel at classic British planes from WWII and other vintage aircraft, offering a rare glimpse into aviation history.

Fighter Jets & Helicopters
Outdoor Exhibit Area
See a diverse range of jets and helicopters, including those used in recent Sri Lankan conflicts.

Indoor Galleries
Main Building
Explore uniforms, weapons, and artifacts detailing the history of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
LTTE Plane & War Memories
Outdoor Exhibit Area
A poignant display of war history, including a captured LTTE aircraft.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Timing is Key
Affordable Aviation Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Air Force Museum
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially outdoors. Comfortable footwear is a must!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is available, but bringing your own is a good idea, especially on hot days.
Is a day trip to the Air Force Museum worth it?
💰 Very Affordable Entry
The low entry fee makes this a fantastic value for aviation enthusiasts and families.
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
Plenty of impressive aircraft for unique photos. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially outdoors. Comfortable footwear is a must!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is available, but bringing your own is a good idea, especially on hot days.
💰 Very Affordable Entry
The low entry fee makes this a fantastic value for aviation enthusiasts and families.
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
Plenty of impressive aircraft for unique photos. Don't forget your camera!
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Kids will love exploring the real planes and peeking inside them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Sri Lanka Air Force Museum for its impressive collection of aircraft, rich historical exhibits, and incredibly affordable entry fees. It's highlighted as a unique and underrated attraction, particularly for families and aviation enthusiasts. Some minor points of improvement could include more detailed information on certain exhibits.
"Great Place to visit 😍 Lots of airplanes , helicopters , weapons & many more things to see..
• Drinking water & rest rooms available.
• Just Rs 200/= for adult & Rs 50/= for child.
• Canteens available.
• LTTE plane & lots of war memories to see.
•Highly recommend to anyone.. 🌹
Watch full vlog with details on Traveling Diary Srilanka 🇱🇰 Youtube channel."
Ruwan Mallawa Arachchi
"Sri Lanka's only national museum dedicated to the field of aviation as well as the history of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).
At the museum, our primary focus is to provide unparalleled service to all our visitors towards expanding their knowledge on the field of aviation which covers both the technological aspects as well as the historical aspects.
So we kindly encourage you to peruse through our site and use it to plan your Visit to this kind of modern aviation museum in Sri Lanka."
Sahan Diluka
"Welcome to the official portal of the 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).
At the museum, our primary focus is to provide unparalleled service to all our visitors towards expanding their knowledge on the field of aviation which covers both the technological aspects as well as the historical aspects.
So we kindly encourage you to peruse through our site and use it to plan your Visit to this kind of modern aviation museum in Sri Lanka. The museum is open to the public on all days from 9:00AM to 5:00PM except Mondays and holidays. HS 748 Avro
Popular transport aircraft, the Hawker kidney HS 748 has been in service with the Sri Lanka Air Force since 1979. Powered by Roils Royce engines. It is capable of carrying 52 passengers. This aircraft was obtained from Air Ceylon and extensively used for logistic support to palely in the separatist war. FT-5 Aircraft
The FT-5 (JJ-5) was developed to serve as a trainer for the Chinese J-SA fighter, which is the Chinese version of the MIG-17 series built for the peoples liberation Army air force (PLAAF) of china. The sri lanka air force (SLAF) inducted two FT-5 s in 1990 after along period of absence of Jet aircraft in the SLAF fleet. The FT-5 s were put on long term storage in 2001 and were handed over to the museum in 2009. Hunting Percival Jet provost T.51
The Jet Provost (commonly called as the JP) was the first jet aircraft to be purchased by the. Royal Ceylon Air Force (RCyAF). A total of 12 Jet Provost T.51s were inducted in 1959, and used as basic jet trailers. Due to its capability of being armed, the JPs' were used for operational flying during the 1971 insurgency. Call: +94 772 444 445
The museum is opened to the public on all days other than Monday, Public Holidays from 8:30AM to 4:30PM. Email: museum@airforce.lk
Web: www.airforcemuseum.lk
RVFV+FJC, Ratmalana, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia
3.5 km
·
15 min
Located in: Sri Lanka Air Force Base Ratmalana"
NauroseBanu Azad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located within the Sri Lanka Air Force Base Ratmalana. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services from Colombo. It's approximately 3.5 km from the main area, taking about 15 minutes by car.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the museum, as it's situated within an air force base.
While direct public transport to the museum's entrance might be limited, you can take a bus towards Ratmalana and then a short tuk-tuk or taxi ride to the base.
The museum's address is RVFV+FJC, Ratmalana, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, located within the Sri Lanka Air Force Base Ratmalana.
The outdoor exhibits are generally accessible, but some indoor areas or aircraft interiors might have limitations. It's advisable to check on-site for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is open to the public daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it is closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Admission is very affordable: Rs 200 for adults and Rs 50 for children.
No, advance booking is generally not required. You can purchase tickets upon arrival at the museum.
While specific group or student discounts aren't widely advertised, the already low entry fee makes it accessible for most visitors.
Weekdays, especially mornings, tend to be less crowded than weekends. Avoid Mondays and public holidays as the museum is closed.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of aircraft, including vintage propeller planes, jet fighters, trainer jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters used by the Sri Lanka Air Force throughout its history.
While primarily a display museum, kids can often peek inside some of the aircraft, offering a sense of scale and interaction.
The museum also features indoor galleries with uniforms, weapons, historical artifacts, and memorabilia related to the Sri Lanka Air Force's service.
Yes, there is a small gift shop and a canteen/cafe available for visitors to purchase refreshments and souvenirs.
To fully explore both indoor and outdoor exhibits, plan for at least 2-3 hours. Some visitors spend even longer if they are deeply interested in aviation history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are canteens and cafes on-site where you can purchase food and drinks.
While not explicitly stated, the presence of canteens suggests that outside food might be restricted. It's best to confirm on arrival or utilize the available dining facilities.
The canteens typically offer basic refreshments and snacks suitable for a museum visit.
Yes, the museum is located in Ratmalana, an area with various local eateries and restaurants if you prefer dining outside the museum.
The museum has been used for events, offering a unique backdrop with its aircraft displays. Inquire directly with the museum for event hosting possibilities.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed within the museum premises, allowing you to capture the impressive aircraft and exhibits.
While general photography is permitted, it's always wise to be mindful of any specific signage or ask staff if you plan to use professional equipment or drones.
The outdoor area with the collection of aircraft, especially the vintage planes and fighter jets, offers fantastic photo opportunities.
In some cases, you might be able to peek inside or take photos from the entrance of certain aircraft, but access is usually limited.
Capturing the scale of the larger aircraft against the sky or the intricate details of the vintage planes are popular choices for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With super affordable entry fees (Rs 200 adults, Rs 50 kids) and available amenities like water and canteens, it's a budget-friendly outing. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, as there's a lot of ground to cover, especially outdoors.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
Don't miss the indoor galleries showcasing uniforms, weapons, and historical artifacts that provide deeper context. The museum offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of air power in Sri Lanka, making it a valuable stop for enthusiasts.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a packed lunch or utilize the affordable on-site canteen to keep costs down further. It's a highly recommended activity for those looking for an enriching experience on a tight budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Aviation History in Sri Lanka
Beyond the hardware, the museum also highlights the human element of aviation. Indoor galleries display uniforms, medals, and personal artifacts belonging to brave airmen and women who served the nation. These exhibits offer a poignant connection to the sacrifices and dedication that have shaped the SLAF. The presence of a captured LTTE plane serves as a stark reminder of the country's recent conflict and the role aviation played in its resolution.
This museum is more than just a collection of old planes; it's a testament to Sri Lanka's journey in aviation. It provides invaluable insights for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in understanding the nation's defense heritage. The combination of impressive aircraft and compelling historical narratives makes for a truly enriching visit.
Exploring the Aircraft Collection
Helicopters also form a significant part of the collection, representing various eras and roles within the Air Force. The sheer scale and variety of these machines are impressive, offering visitors a chance to see up close the evolution of aerial technology. Many of these aircraft have direct ties to Sri Lanka's operational history, including those used during the separatist war, adding a layer of historical significance to the display.
Visitors can often walk around and even peek inside some of the larger aircraft, providing a tangible sense of their size and interior layout. This hands-on aspect, especially for younger visitors, makes the experience more engaging and memorable. The well-maintained outdoor space allows for unobstructed viewing and excellent photographic opportunities.
Family Fun and Value
What makes it even more appealing for families is its incredible affordability. With an entry fee of just Rs 200 for adults and Rs 50 for children, it offers exceptional value for money. This low cost allows families to enjoy a substantial outing without a significant financial burden, making it an accessible educational and recreational activity.
Practical amenities like available drinking water and restrooms, along with on-site canteens, ensure a comfortable visit for families. The spacious layout also means there's plenty of room for kids to move around, making it a stress-free outing for parents.
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