Ground-breaking of Lanka's second International Airport on November 19

Shirajiv Sirimane

NEW AIRPORT: The Weerawila international airport which would be Sri Lanka's second international airport will be launched in 2009.

The ground breaking ceremony of the event will take place on November 19 to coincide with the first anniversary celebrations of National Development under "Mahinda Chintana" scheduled to take place centering the Hambantota District from November 16 to 20.

Director General Civil Aviation and Chief Executive officer, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka H.M.C. Nimalsiri said under the first phase the Weerawila international airport would be able to accommodate eight aircraft. It would also be the first airport in Sri Lanka which would have the capability of landing the latest A380 aircraft.

The investment for the first phase would be Rs. 1.25 billion. The airport will comprise of a 4000-meter runway and provide parking space for 14 aircraft at a time.

In addition a Customs building, large hangar, AASL office and other modern facilities too would be provided.

The construction will be carried out with the latest technology under the guidance of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

There would also be direct air links between the Colombo interntional airport and Weerawila.

He said that Sri Lanka's first airport Ratmalana has been used to its maximum capacity and commercial properties around the airport limits expansion. However this airport too would be used for domestic flights.

Asked as to what is delaying local domestic airline operators to operate international flights he said that though the green light has been given to five operators they still have to meet some international technical requirements.

Deputy Director of AASL Wing Commander Sunil Cabraal said that in addition to the ground breaking ceremony of the Weerawila airport a host of other aviation and leisure activities too would be introduced under the "Ruhunu Open Skies" project.