NO 2 HEAVY TRANSPORT SQUADRON MARKS 68 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE NATION
No. 2 Heavy Transport Squadron at SLAF Base Katunayake commemorated its 68th anniversary yesterday (02 September 2025), celebrating more than six decades of service to the nation.
The Squadron was established on 01 September 1957 under the command of Flight Lieutenant PH Mendis, followed by 32 Commanding Officers and currently under the guidance and command by Wing Commander Muditha Samarakoon. Over the past years, it has operated 17 different types of aircraft, ranging from the Airspeed Oxford and DC-3 Dakota to the Harbin Y-12 and Y-8, before transitioning to its current fleet of Antonov An-32B and Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft.
The squadron is primarily tasked with air transport operations, such as scheduled flights, Casualty and Medical Evacuation, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in both local and overseas, Parachute Training, VIP/VVIP transport, overseas missions, Surveillance and Reconnaissance flights and many more. Notably, during the challenging phase of Eelam War, the Squadron was pivotal in sustaining the critical air bridge between Colombo and the Jaffna Peninsula, spanning for nearly two decades from 1991 to 2009. Therefore, in recognition of its invaluable contribution, No. 2 Squadron was awarded with the President’s Colours in the Year 2009.
Marking its 68th anniversary, the No. 2 Heavy Transport Squadron held the customary working parade followed by a commemorative ceremony in honour of fallen heroes. In addition, personnel of the Squadron organized a shramadana campaign at Shobharamaya Temple, Kadirana, which was followed by an almsgiving programme to pay tribute to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in serving the nation.
The Squadron was established on 01 September 1957 under the command of Flight Lieutenant PH Mendis, followed by 32 Commanding Officers and currently under the guidance and command by Wing Commander Muditha Samarakoon. Over the past years, it has operated 17 different types of aircraft, ranging from the Airspeed Oxford and DC-3 Dakota to the Harbin Y-12 and Y-8, before transitioning to its current fleet of Antonov An-32B and Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft.
The squadron is primarily tasked with air transport operations, such as scheduled flights, Casualty and Medical Evacuation, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in both local and overseas, Parachute Training, VIP/VVIP transport, overseas missions, Surveillance and Reconnaissance flights and many more. Notably, during the challenging phase of Eelam War, the Squadron was pivotal in sustaining the critical air bridge between Colombo and the Jaffna Peninsula, spanning for nearly two decades from 1991 to 2009. Therefore, in recognition of its invaluable contribution, No. 2 Squadron was awarded with the President’s Colours in the Year 2009.
Marking its 68th anniversary, the No. 2 Heavy Transport Squadron held the customary working parade followed by a commemorative ceremony in honour of fallen heroes. In addition, personnel of the Squadron organized a shramadana campaign at Shobharamaya Temple, Kadirana, which was followed by an almsgiving programme to pay tribute to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in serving the nation.
