Ruhunu Sky is open for the progress of the country - Foreign Minister

WEERAWILA: The laying of the foundation for the construction of second International Airport at Weerawila in the Hambantota District took place as apart of the First Year celebration of the Presidency of Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Addressing those present at the ground-breaking ceremony, Foreign Minister and Ports and Aviation Minister Mangala Samaraweera as Minister in-charge of the subject of Civil Aviation thanked President Mahinda Rajapaksa for giving priority to the Weerawila International Airport and paid a glowing tribute for keeping one of his major election pledges under the "Ran Dora" development programme.

Recalling the many development projects now in progress within the first year of the President's term of office, the Minister Samaraweeraexplained the steps taken to expand the capacity of the Colombo Harbour by constructing the Colombo South Harbour, the construction of the Hambantota Harbour and development of the Galle Harbour, the pedestrian bridge and passenger lounge and a second runway at the Katunayaka Airport.

Presenting the Election Manifesto "Mahinda Chinthana" at the last Presidential Election, the President assured the people that in the event of his becoming the President he would create the second International Airport.

By commencing the construction work at Weerawila, he proved himself a President capable of doing what he promised within one year, Minister Samaraweera, said.

From today onward the "Ruhunu Open Skies" air space in the Southern Sri Lanka will be free for all activities relating to commerce, education and recreation.

The Ruhunu Sky is open for the progress of the country, he added.

Further the Minister assured that under the Ten Year Development Programme of Mahinda Chinthana, the Weeravila International Airport will be vested in the people to coincide with the President's fourth year in office in 2009.

"With that determination at heart, I wish to say that I hope to meet you and share our victory three years henceforth," he said.