SLAF HANDS OVER SECTIONED AN-32B ENGINE TO UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA TO STRENGTHEN AEROSPACE EDUCATION
SLAF handed over a fabricated AI-20D Series 5 engine of the AN-32B aircraft together with its propeller assembly and a separate propeller hub to the University of Peradeniya today (23 February 2026). The initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening civil–military collaboration while enhancing opportunities for aerospace education and research in Sri Lanka.
The ceremony was graced by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Air Vice Marshal Gihan Seneviratne, the Director General Aeronautical Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Indika Wickramasinghe, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Lilantha Samarasekera, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Professor Primal Fernando, Officer Commanding Maintenance of No. 2 Heavy Transport Squadron, Squadron Leader Dishan De Silva, together with members of the technical crew.
The engine was meticulously prepared by the General Engineering Wing of SLAF Base Katunayake, incorporating sectional cutaway features and dedicated internal illumination to clearly demonstrate major components and operating principles. The detailed configuration enables direct observation of the intake, compressor, combustion, turbine and exhaust sections including the reduction gearbox assembly, thereby significantly enhancing technical comprehension.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief of Staff highlighted the significance of the initiative, emphasizing that the provision of a fully sectioned aircraft engine would open a wide spectrum of aeronautical engineering learning and research opportunities for undergraduates of the University of Peradeniya. He further noted that such practical training aids would greatly support students in gaining deeper technical insight into aircraft engine systems while encouraging research and innovation in aerospace engineering disciplines.
As a part of the program, Squadron Leader Dishan De Silva, conducted a comprehensive presentation followed by a live demonstration explaining the operation and functional aspects of the AN-32B engine and propeller system to university students. The session provided valuable practical exposure and enabled students to better understand engine construction, airflow dynamics and propeller pitch control concepts through direct visualization.
The ceremony was graced by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Air Vice Marshal Gihan Seneviratne, the Director General Aeronautical Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Indika Wickramasinghe, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Lilantha Samarasekera, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Professor Primal Fernando, Officer Commanding Maintenance of No. 2 Heavy Transport Squadron, Squadron Leader Dishan De Silva, together with members of the technical crew.
The engine was meticulously prepared by the General Engineering Wing of SLAF Base Katunayake, incorporating sectional cutaway features and dedicated internal illumination to clearly demonstrate major components and operating principles. The detailed configuration enables direct observation of the intake, compressor, combustion, turbine and exhaust sections including the reduction gearbox assembly, thereby significantly enhancing technical comprehension.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief of Staff highlighted the significance of the initiative, emphasizing that the provision of a fully sectioned aircraft engine would open a wide spectrum of aeronautical engineering learning and research opportunities for undergraduates of the University of Peradeniya. He further noted that such practical training aids would greatly support students in gaining deeper technical insight into aircraft engine systems while encouraging research and innovation in aerospace engineering disciplines.
As a part of the program, Squadron Leader Dishan De Silva, conducted a comprehensive presentation followed by a live demonstration explaining the operation and functional aspects of the AN-32B engine and propeller system to university students. The session provided valuable practical exposure and enabled students to better understand engine construction, airflow dynamics and propeller pitch control concepts through direct visualization.