NO. 7 HELICOPTER SQUADRON MARKS 32ND ANNIVERSARY
4:18pm on Thursday 24th September 2026
The No. 7 Helicopter Squadron, based at SLAF Base Hingurakgoda, proudly celebrated its 32nd Anniversary on 23 September 2026, marking over three decades of dedicated and distinguished service to the nation. The Squadron was initially established as No. 401 Squadron on 23 September 1994, operating Bell 212 and Bell 206 helicopters, and was subsequently re-designated as No. 7 Helicopter Squadron on 23 March 1996. Since its establishment, the Squadron has continued to play a significant role in fulfilling the operational, humanitarian and training commitments of the Sri Lanka Air Force, while upholding its proud President colours.
Throughout its history, the Squadron has remained an integral component of the SLAF’s rotary-wing capability, undertaking a diverse range of missions including troop transport, casualty evacuation, logistical support, search and rescue, disaster relief and helicopter pilot training. The Squadron further reaffirmed its commitment to national service through its contribution to disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations following Cyclone Ditwah in late 2025.
A customary Working Parade was conducted at the Squadron premises and received by the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hirantha De Silva. Addressing the officers and other ranks, the Commanding Officer expressed his appreciation to all past and present members of the Squadron for their steadfast dedication and commitment towards safeguarding its proud heritage. The Squadron subsequently organized a social gathering for its personnel, providing an opportunity to come together and commemorate another significant milestone in the history of the Squadron.
The anniversary programme also featured several initiatives reflecting the Squadron’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). As part of its CSR initiatives, Squadron personnel undertook the renovation of the Special Education Unit at PL/Vidyaloka Model Primary School, Hingurakgoda, with their active participation in the project. Furthermore, a Bodhi Pooja ceremony was conducted at the Hingurakgoda Buddhist Centre to invoke blessings upon serving members and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation. The 32nd Anniversary of No. 7 Helicopter Squadron thus commemorates a proud legacy of service, highlighting its contributions to national security, humanitarian assistance and rotary-wing training, while reaffirming its enduring commitment to remaining ever ready to serve the nation whenever called upon.
Throughout its history, the Squadron has remained an integral component of the SLAF’s rotary-wing capability, undertaking a diverse range of missions including troop transport, casualty evacuation, logistical support, search and rescue, disaster relief and helicopter pilot training. The Squadron further reaffirmed its commitment to national service through its contribution to disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations following Cyclone Ditwah in late 2025.
A customary Working Parade was conducted at the Squadron premises and received by the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hirantha De Silva. Addressing the officers and other ranks, the Commanding Officer expressed his appreciation to all past and present members of the Squadron for their steadfast dedication and commitment towards safeguarding its proud heritage. The Squadron subsequently organized a social gathering for its personnel, providing an opportunity to come together and commemorate another significant milestone in the history of the Squadron.
The anniversary programme also featured several initiatives reflecting the Squadron’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). As part of its CSR initiatives, Squadron personnel undertook the renovation of the Special Education Unit at PL/Vidyaloka Model Primary School, Hingurakgoda, with their active participation in the project. Furthermore, a Bodhi Pooja ceremony was conducted at the Hingurakgoda Buddhist Centre to invoke blessings upon serving members and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation. The 32nd Anniversary of No. 7 Helicopter Squadron thus commemorates a proud legacy of service, highlighting its contributions to national security, humanitarian assistance and rotary-wing training, while reaffirming its enduring commitment to remaining ever ready to serve the nation whenever called upon.
