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| Tuesday, 4 November 2003 |
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SriLankan to operate float planes With the abundance of waterways and lakes in Sri Lanka in close proximity to tourist attractions, SriLankan Airlines is hoping to operate planes to many destinations. "It seems logical that this resource could be used successfully to reduce travel time between destinations thereby improving the quality of the vacation," an official said. Following are some of the locations that have been identified for float plane operations within the country. Kandy has been identified as one of the tourist "hot spots" where the operation of floatplanes is feasible. The most suitable location for operation in Kandy City is the 2.2 Kilometre stretch on the Mahaweli river commencing at a point near an overhead power line which crosses the river upstream of the Citadel Hotel. Dambulu Oya Reservoir in close proximity to three key areas having tourist hotels such as Kandalama, Sigiriya and Habarana is the second location identified by the airline. "Operations to Dambulu Oya reservoir will facilitate the travel of tourists to hotels in these areas. The Dambulu Oya Reservoir site survey has been completed." The initial survey of potential bases in the Kandalama area has been completed. The survey has yielded two sites, one near the Kandalama resort, the other at the Culture club. The primary intention of the service to Victoria Reservoir their third location is to facilitate the travel to the Victoria Golf Club for special golf excursions targeting high yield tourists from Europe and the Middle East, and also for golf enthusiasts from Colombo, during the weekends. In addition this would also benefit tourist traffic to Hotels in Kandy and suburbs. The Victoria Reservoir Aerodrome site survey has been completed. The operations at this site would avoid the Victoria Dam, Military and Populated areas. Flying time from Katunayake or Colombo to Victoria, Dambulu Oya Reservoir and Nuwara Eliya (Lake Gregory) will be thirty minutes in comparison to the time taken by road, which is a minimum of four hours approximately. SriLankan Airlines proposes to use Cessna Caravan Amphibian Type Aircraft of a Nine Seater Passenger capacity. Initial proposals have been submitted by the Operator, SriLankan Airlines and these are now being studied by the Civil Aviation Authority. With the peace initiative and the resulting change in the political climate in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka as a destination could attract high yield visitors as it has many unique and diverse features to offer. "The proposed operations would not have any adverse effects on the environment or the local population. The people in the area would be able to go about their day to day activities with no change whatsoever," the official said. However the local population could expect to benefit directly and indirectly from the proposed influx of high spending visitors to the area. |
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