Formation Day Of SLAF Unit Koggala
9:27pm on Monday 24th October 2011
This is one of the most beautiful establishments of the SLAF. Surrounded
by the calm and fascinating Koggala Lake and the Indian Ocean. This
Unit performs an important role in VVIP and VIP arrivals to the Southern
region and in addition provides remarkable facilities for SLAF
personnel with Chalets and Transit rooms situated in a calm and quiet
environment.
This unit posses a long and proud history originating during the period of the 2nd World War. After the ‘Pearl Harbour’ attack in 1941, the Royal Air Force decided to establish this Air Field as a launching pad for reconnaissance missions over the South/ East Indian Ocean considering the tactical and operational importance of the area. In March 1942 No. 413 Sqn (Canadian Sqn) of the Royal Air Force was sent to Sri Lanka with 04 Catalina flying boat. One of these aircraft captained by then Sqn Ldr Leonard Birchal managed to detect the Japanese enemy fleet while they were en route to Sri Lanka.
After Independence in 1948, the airfield was abandoned by the RAF. Later on 19 Oct 1984 SLAF Koggala was re-established under the command of Flt Lt AD Paul and has been commanded by 21 Commanding Officers to date.
On the 19 October 2011, the Commanding Officer and all ranks of SLAF Koggala celebrated the formation day. Along with the formation Day celebrations, the unit arranged a shramadana campaign to clean the Amathayana School premises at Meepe in addition to the cleaning work of the Pradeshiya Sabha Road Habaraduwa.
On 19 Oct 2011, after the Formation Day parade a tree planting campaign, a special sports event, an all Ranks Lunch and a Beauty culture programme were held. To end the celebrations at night a musical and entertainment event was held.
This unit posses a long and proud history originating during the period of the 2nd World War. After the ‘Pearl Harbour’ attack in 1941, the Royal Air Force decided to establish this Air Field as a launching pad for reconnaissance missions over the South/ East Indian Ocean considering the tactical and operational importance of the area. In March 1942 No. 413 Sqn (Canadian Sqn) of the Royal Air Force was sent to Sri Lanka with 04 Catalina flying boat. One of these aircraft captained by then Sqn Ldr Leonard Birchal managed to detect the Japanese enemy fleet while they were en route to Sri Lanka.
After Independence in 1948, the airfield was abandoned by the RAF. Later on 19 Oct 1984 SLAF Koggala was re-established under the command of Flt Lt AD Paul and has been commanded by 21 Commanding Officers to date.
On the 19 October 2011, the Commanding Officer and all ranks of SLAF Koggala celebrated the formation day. Along with the formation Day celebrations, the unit arranged a shramadana campaign to clean the Amathayana School premises at Meepe in addition to the cleaning work of the Pradeshiya Sabha Road Habaraduwa.
On 19 Oct 2011, after the Formation Day parade a tree planting campaign, a special sports event, an all Ranks Lunch and a Beauty culture programme were held. To end the celebrations at night a musical and entertainment event was held.
