No 1 Flying Training Wing at SLAF Academy China Bay celebrated its 69th anniversary on 1 September 2020. In line with the celebrations, the wing conducted a “Bodhi Pooja” and “Dharma Deshana" at the Bodhi Rajarama Viharaya in China Bay. The religious event was presided by Ven Aluthoya Saddashila Thero. The Commanding Officer of the Flying Training Wing, Wing Commander Vajira Jayakody participated for occasion along with the Officers and other ranks of the wing.

To further elaborate on the core values of service before self, a community service project was carried out by Wing personnel where essential items were distributed amongst children of the Revatha Children’s Home after which they were also treated to a delicious dinner. Several entertainment items were also presented by the children as well, in order to show their appreciation for the activities organized by the Wing.

The No 1 Flying Training Wing was established at Katunayake in the same year that the Royal Ceylon Air Force was born. Initial Training started with a Chipmunk aircraft. Today the Wing which is considered as the “Cradle of Military Aviators” in Sri Lanka boast of one of the largest aircraft fleets in the SLAF with Chinese PT-6 aircraft and American Cessna 150 for basic flying training and Chinese K-8 Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft for advance flying and fighter conversion training.