The relinquishment of the facilities and areas occupied by the Sri Lanka Air Force  (SLAF) in the Ratmalana Airport environs commenced this week.  A conference to finalise the modalities of the handover was held on 7 Jan 2019 and the specialist checking of the inventories of the buildings began soon after.

The handing over is the culmination of discussions between the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) and the SLAF and the final agreement approved by the Cabinet of Ministers granted on 12 December 2017. 

Three SLAF flying formations, namely the No 8 Light Transport Squadron, Helitours Ltd., and No 61 Flight were shifted to temporary locations until the construction of alternate hangar and apron infrastructure is completed within SLAF Base, Ratmalana. 

A total land area of approximately 25 Acres will be handed over to the CAASL when the transfer is completed.  The Air Movement section, previously located at the Ratmalana Air Port complex will also be relocated within SLAF base Ratmalana, and will handle all military air movements, once operations recommence when the alternate accommodations are complete.