Sri Lanka Air Force Museum Ratmalana - The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 is a variable-geometry fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau in the Soviet Union. It is a third-generation jet fighter, that on 26 May, the Indian forces started using for air strikes during the Kargil War.
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Sri Lanka Air Force Museum Ratmalana

4.6
·1k reviews·දෙහිවල-ගල්කිස්ස, Sri Lanka

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
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Sri Lanka Air Force Museum Ratmalana - The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 is a variable-geometry fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau in the Soviet Union. It is a third-generation jet fighter, that on 26 May, the Indian forces started using for air strikes during the Kargil War.

Sri Lanka Air Force Museum Ratmalana

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(1k reviews)

"An amazing museum full of history, one of the best museums in the country."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vintage Aircraft Collection

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

Fighter Jets & Helicopters

Outdoor Exhibit Area

See a diverse range of jets and helicopters, including those used in recent Sri Lankan conflicts.

Indoor Galleries

Indoor Galleries

Main Building

Explore uniforms, weapons, and artifacts detailing the history of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

LTTE Plane & War Memories

LTTE Plane & War Memories

Outdoor Exhibit Area

A poignant display of war history, including a captured LTTE aircraft.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit: Timing is Key

Avoid Mondays and public holidays as the museum is closed. Arrive early to make the most of your visit, especially if you plan to explore the outdoor exhibits thoroughly. Weekdays might offer a less crowded experience than weekends.

Affordable Aviation Adventure

With an entry fee of just Rs 200 for adults and Rs 50 for children, this museum is incredibly budget-friendly. It's a fantastic value for the extensive collection of aircraft and historical artifacts.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons (before 4 PM)
Why
Still time to see everything
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Air Force Museum

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially outdoors. Comfortable footwear is a must! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Drinking water is available, but bringing your own is a good idea, especially on hot days. Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

📸 Great Photo Opportunities

Plenty of impressive aircraft for unique photos. Don't forget your camera! Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially outdoors. Comfortable footwear is a must! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Drinking water is available, but bringing your own is a good idea, especially on hot days. Reddit

💰 Very Affordable Entry

The low entry fee makes this a fantastic value for aviation enthusiasts and families. Reddit

📸 Great Photo Opportunities

Plenty of impressive aircraft for unique photos. Don't forget your camera! Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Fun

Kids will love exploring the real planes and peeking inside them. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

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

Extensive aircraft collection
Affordable entry fee
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Limited interactive displays
Occasional lack of detailed info

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. Reddit

Yes, there is ample parking available at the museum, as it's situated within an air force base. Reddit

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. Reddit

The museum's address is RVFV+FJC, Ratmalana, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, located within the Sri Lanka Air Force Base Ratmalana. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

Admission is very affordable: Rs 200 for adults and Rs 50 for children. Reddit

No, advance booking is generally not required. You can purchase tickets upon arrival at the museum. Reddit

While specific group or student discounts aren't widely advertised, the already low entry fee makes it accessible for most visitors. Reddit

Weekdays, especially mornings, tend to be less crowded than weekends. Avoid Mondays and public holidays as the museum is closed. Reddit

🎫 ✈️ 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. Reddit

While primarily a display museum, kids can often peek inside some of the aircraft, offering a sense of scale and interaction. Reddit

The museum also features indoor galleries with uniforms, weapons, historical artifacts, and memorabilia related to the Sri Lanka Air Force's service. Reddit

Yes, there is a small gift shop and a canteen/cafe available for visitors to purchase refreshments and souvenirs. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are canteens and cafes on-site where you can purchase food and drinks. Reddit

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. Reddit

The canteens typically offer basic refreshments and snacks suitable for a museum visit. Reddit

Yes, the museum is located in Ratmalana, an area with various local eateries and restaurants if you prefer dining outside the museum. Reddit

The museum has been used for events, offering a unique backdrop with its aircraft displays. Inquire directly with the museum for event hosting possibilities. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed within the museum premises, allowing you to capture the impressive aircraft and exhibits. Reddit

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. Reddit

The outdoor area with the collection of aircraft, especially the vintage planes and fighter jets, offers fantastic photo opportunities. Reddit

In some cases, you might be able to peek inside or take photos from the entrance of certain aircraft, but access is usually limited. Reddit

Capturing the scale of the larger aircraft against the sky or the intricate details of the vintage planes are popular choices for photographers. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Air Force Museum is a hit with families! Kids are fascinated by the giant planes and helicopters, and they'll love being able to get up close and even peek inside some of them. It's a great way to make learning about history and aviation fun and engaging. Reddit

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. Reddit

✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts

For anyone passionate about flight, this museum is a must-visit. You'll find an impressive collection of vintage aircraft, fighter jets, and transport planes, many with direct ties to Sri Lanka's aviation history. It's a rare opportunity to see these machines up close and learn about their operational significance. Reddit

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. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

This museum is a gem for budget-conscious travelers. The entry fee is incredibly low (Rs 200 for adults, Rs 50 for children), offering a wealth of historical and visual content for minimal cost. It's a fantastic way to spend several hours learning and exploring without breaking the bank. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Aviation History in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Air Force Museum in Ratmalana serves as the nation's sole custodian of aviation history. It meticulously chronicles the evolution of air power in Sri Lanka, from its early days to its modern capabilities. The collection spans decades, showcasing aircraft that have played pivotal roles in national defense and development. Visitors can trace the technological advancements and operational milestones of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) through these preserved machines. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Exploring the Aircraft Collection

The outdoor exhibit area is the star attraction, featuring a diverse array of aircraft. You'll find iconic vintage propeller planes, including classic British models that date back to World War II, showcasing early aviation engineering. These are complemented by a range of jet aircraft, from trainer models like the FT-5 to operational fighter jets and transport planes such as the HS 748 Avro, which served vital logistic roles. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Family Fun and Value

The Sri Lanka Air Force Museum is a surprisingly family-friendly destination. Children are often captivated by the sheer size and presence of the real aircraft, and the ability to get up close and even peer inside some of them makes for an exciting experience. It’s a fantastic way to spark an interest in aviation and history in young minds. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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