No 2 Heavy Transport Squadron at SLAF Base Katunayake celebrated its 64th anniversary on 02 September 2021. The squadron was established on 2 September 1957 at Katunayake as No 2 Wing with Flight Lieutenant PH Mendis as its first Commanding Officer. The squadron has been commanded by 34th Commanding Officers for the last 64 years.

Its past aircraft fleet included nearly 17 types of aircraft including aircraft such as the Air Speed Oxford, Prestwick Pioneer, De Havilland Dove, DC3 Dakota, S 51 Dragon fly Helicopter, Heron, Rily Heron, Cessna  337 Sky Master, HS 748 Avro, Beech 18, Cessna 421 Golden Eagle, Beechcraft B-200, SF260 SIAI Marchetti, Harbin Y-12 and Y-8. The current fleet consists of Antonov 32Bs and Hercules C-130s.

The Squadron played a pivotal role during the Elam Wars with Air Transport Operations keeping a continuous air bridge for nearly 20 years linking the Jaffna Peninsula with Colombo from 1991 to 2009 as the security forces lost the control of A9 Main Supply Route, at the beginning of the Second Elam War. The Squadron fleet maintained the most expeditious link to Jaffna for cargo and troop transportation and most importantly for casualty transportation. The No 2 Squadron was awarded with President’s Colour in the year 2009 in recognition of its long years of dedicated service to the nation. 

The 64th anniversary celebration events included the customary Working Parade which was reviewed by the present Commanding Officer, Wing Commander N Welagedara, followed by a tree planting program and a commemoration ceremony to pay tribute for the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

The celebrations also included a shramadana campaign, an alms giving at the Shobaaramaya Temple at Kadiraana and also a donation of gift items for children in need.

Further, the Base Commander of SLAF Base Katunayake, Air Vice Marshal RAUP Rajapaksa, who was one of the former Commanding Officers of the Squadron also participated for the anniversary day proceedings along with limited number of Officers and Other Ranks of the Squadron. All events were held in accordance with health guidelines issued by Air Force Headquarters for the prevention of COVID-19.