Shock Move? Vavuniya Air Force Base to be Moved

A political storm erupts as plans surface to dismantle Sri Lanka’s strategically vital Vavuniya Air Force Base. Accusations fly over land claims, secret letters, and high-level interference, sparking fears of a national security breach.

Vavuniya Air Force Base to Be Removed? Opposition Alleges Conspiracy and High-Level Political Interference

A press conference held by the New People’s Front on July 16, 2025, at their Maharagama office has ignited controversy over alleged plans by the current government to remove the Vavuniya Air Force Base. The event was led by party leader Mr. Sugishwara Bandara and attended by Neelammahara Divisional Organizer Mrs. Darshani Dodamgoda and Wattegedara Divisional Organizer Mr. Nirosh Sellahewa.

During the briefing, Mr. Bandara claimed that credible information had surfaced about the revival government’s plan to dismantle the Vavuniya Air Force Base, a 133-acre facility established in 1985 that holds critical strategic and national security importance.

Historically, the Vavuniya Air Force Base served as a pivotal military logistics hub during the conflict years—facilitating the transport of food, medicine, and wounded soldiers between Anuradhapura and Palaly, and onward to Colombo.

The issue reportedly began on March 23, 2024, when a person named S. Gnanasampannan, through legal counsel G. H. A. de Silva, wrote to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, claiming a portion of the land belonged to his mother, Meetachi Shivapanasundaram, and requesting its immediate return.

The letter was forwarded to the Ministry of Defence, prompting then Defence Secretary to seek a report from the Sri Lanka Air Force. The report confirmed that in 1997, under the instruction of then-President Chandrika Bandaranaike, compensation had been paid to some original landowners, including Rs. 200,000 to Mr. Shivapanasundaram.

Despite this, after the current government came to power, Mr. Gnanasampannan again raised the matter. On December 12, 2024, he sent congratulations to President Anura Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasooriya—while also requesting the return of the land.

The issue escalated when Senior Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Surani Sirimanne, forwarded the request to the Ministry of Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, which was then passed to Additional Secretary M.A.M. Arifa. On June 6, 2025, Ms. Arifa sent a letter to the Defence Secretary, requesting the Sri Lanka Air Force be instructed to vacate the base.

Opposition leader Mr. Bandara questioned under whose authority Ms. Arifa acted, arguing that she lacked the power to issue such a directive regarding land under emergency acquisition laws.

According to Mr. Bandara, it was Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Bimal Ratnayake, who instructed Ms. Arifa to write the letter. He claimed the land was lawfully acquired in 1985 under Emergency Order No. 08 and therefore cannot be relinquished through ministerial letters.

The opposition further questioned whether President Anura Dissanayake, as Commander-in-Chief, had approved such actions. They claim that the Security Council was not consulted, nor were national security advisors or international stakeholders informed.

In a fiery critique, Mr. Bandara accused Minister Ratnayake of attempting to appease Tamil diaspora groups and engaging in secretive moves, similar to his controversial handling of the K8 aircraft crash report and alleged involvement in a container scandal.

He noted that despite serious accusations, no investigation has been launched by the CID or Bribery Commission, and a report by a Finance Ministry committee remains untabled in Parliament.

Mr. Bandara concluded by warning that this vital military base might be “wrapped up in paperwork” and handed over to private parties—just like weapon-laden containers that disappeared under similar circumstances.