The SLAF Academy at China Bay celebrated its 62nd anniversary yesterday (03 April 2023) under the guidance of the Commandant, Air Commodore SDGM Silva. The day’s programme commenced with a customary working parade at the Academy parade square. Besides, felicitations were done to praise the personnel who contributed to achieving the Second Runners Up position in the SLAF Best Agricultural Project competition as well as those who excelled in the SLAF Excellence Awards 2022, representing the Academy. Further, Academy Best Billet Competition winners were also awarded at the parade. Subsequently, a tree-planting programme followed by a sports event was conducted to mark the celebration.

The SLAF Academy was established by the British in the early 20th century to house a permanent Air Base, Royal Air Force China Bay and a fuel storage facility, including support facilities for the Royal Navy at HMS Highflyer Naval Base, which was also based there. In 1988, the Academy was renamed Sri Lanka Air Force Base, China Bay and it became a key forward Base for all operations conducted in the northern and eastern theatres until 2009.

Consequent to the end of humanitarian operations in 2009, No. 1 Flying Training Wing was re-established at China Bay. Sri Lanka Air Force Base China Bay was renamed as the Sri Lanka Air Force Academy China Bay on 01 January 2010. Currently, the Academy functions as the premier training establishment of the Sri Lanka Air Force and is home to nine (09) lodger formations while conducting training in multiple disciplines.