Sri Lanka Air Force Combat Training School Diyatalawa (SLAF CTS Dla) very firstly known as ‘Royal Ceylon Air Force Station Stable Hill’ which was established on 15 October 1952 as the premier Training Establishment of the Royal Ceylon Air Force (RCyAF), which portraying exceptional meritorious performance of outstanding service to the Air Force as well as to the motherland since the day of its inauguration.
SLAF CTS Dla, has commenced its training in 1952 with the first Gunner Instructor Training Course. Further, this training institution has undertaken tasks in conducting Basic Combat Courses for Officer Cadets and Recruits which transformed ‘a civilian in to servicemen/women’ which has been the paramount aim of this training establishment. Moreover, it has been geared to have Gunner and Drill Instructor Training Courses to mold and lead the Airmen and Airwomen and to employ them towards the national requirements as well. As far as the ‘Officer Training’ is concerned various courses which improve administrative and operational performances and skills pertaining to leadership that focused to elevate the quality expected by an Officer; are also conducted. Sniper and Marksmanship Courses were conducted in order to uplift the service personnel to be professional of arms. Most of the Physical Instructors who are to be more proficient in their field are converted more skillful by this training institute. Considering, training Airmen/ women on Information Technology this School has contributed immensely producing service personnel fortified with skills for the benefit of the effective administrative functions of the Organization. Apart from that, this institution taken huge challenge on behalf of the Sri Lanka Air Force to conduct Annual Assessment Camps for School Air Wing Cadets, Leadership Training Courses for University entrants, school children and special leadership training programme for Development Officers of the Economic Development Ministry by guiding them to serve the country with utmost dedication.
Since the inception of this establishment number of proud and energetic servicemen have been passed out from this renowned Combat Training School to lead and serve the country. The Commanders of the Air Force (AF), war veterans, administrators, logisticians and professionals who showed exceptional abilities and lead the AF throughout were proud products of this training establishment.
This school has been extending its service as far as maintaining peace during island wide riots erupted in 1971 and 1989, moreover the prevailed internal dispute occurred in 1983 and aftermath until the humanitarian War existed for over thirty-three years. The establishment extended its service immensely in order to establish peace in the country undoubtedly by caring out numerous training programmes in order to fulfill the needs of the battle requirement and has made significant contribution towards maintaining law and at all those decisive moments in the country without hesitation.
The unique identity inherited by this school as the premier training establishment, immensely facilitated the Air Force to achieve the National Productivity Awards in 2003, 2004 and Gold Award in 2015 as well.
In view of the exceptionally commendable and excellent role played since its inauguration; Sri Lanka Air Force Combat Training School Diyatalawa was awarded the ultimate honour of the ‘President’s Colours’ by the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena on the day of 02 April 2018 at CTS Diyatalawa.
