Weerawila International Airport will generate more jobs

Prasad Poornamal Jayamanna after a tour in Weerawila

WEERAWILA: A second International Airport had been a long felt need in Sri Lanka. Its need became more intensive with the introduction of the free economy. Its construction was postponed due to various reasons in spite of International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) repeated reminders.

ICAO on several occasions pointed out that in the event of an emergency, the danger of taking a long air route of 3,000 air miles to reach an airport in India.

This will result in an extra expense to air service companies because it involves carrying an extra stock of fuel when ever a plane calls over at the International Airport in Sri Lanka.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, having understood this drawback took steps to lay the foundation stone for the construction of a second International Airport in Sri Lanka at Weerawila in the Hambantota District.

Even after laying the foundation stone, the construction work regressed.

Having understood this, the President appointed Sarathkumara Gunaratnea, a political leader with 30 years of political experience and a resident of the area as the Deputy Minister of Airports.

He has the responsibility of enlisting the support of other experienced politicians in the district and accomplish this task of national importance.

The protest of land owners against acquisition of their lands was the major obstacle to implement this project. That obstacle has been overcome now. This project has the blessings of all, especially Buddhist monks in the area.

A special discussion at the coordinating office of the Southern Province Chief Minister became significant in bringing about this situation.

This discussion under the Chairmanship of Hambantota District MP, Irrigation and Water Management Minister Chamal Rajapaksa was attended by politicians, Hambantota District Secretary R.M.B. Meegahamulla and Government officials comprising Heads of Ministries and Government Departments. Since all problems regarding this issue were discussed and instant solutions were found at a single table, the project received public consensus.

This project estimated to cost US$ 120 million expects to create 4,000 direct employment opportunities and 10,000 indirect job opportunities.

About 1,150 families will be displaced as a result of this project and these families will receive compensation at Government expense under a scheme in addition to alternative accommodation in a specially built town complete with temples and schools.

At the discussion it was decided to pay compensation for paddy lands at the rate of Rs. 42,000 per kanna (season) for an area of one acre subject to a maximum period of three years.

Irrigation and Water Management Minister Chamal Rajapaksa said it is expected to complete this project entirely by March, 2010.

“No development project can be carried out without causing minimum environmental damage.The need for a second International Airport is a pressing need of the hour. If it’s to be called an International Airport it has to be constructed at international level,” he said.

“Projects of this nature cannot be carried according to political decisions. I instruct the officers to carry out their work without heeding the party or colour. They must be thoroughly prudent regarding valuation. Otherwise there will be public protests once again.”

Aviation Deputy Minister Sarathkumara Gunaratne said the present arrival of air passengers to Sri Lanka is close upon 4.5 million a year.

After the construction of the Weerawila International Airport this figure is expected to be around eight million. Out of the foreign tourists visiting Sri Lanka only about 300,000 come to Hambantota area.

Within this year, four million tourists have visited Sri Lanka by now. With the opening of the Weerawila International Airport, foreign tourists visiting Hambantota area is likely to increase.

Because there is no second international airport in Sri Lanka, the planes coming from foreign countries have to fly to selected airports in India like Chennai, Trivandram, and Male airports which involve about 3,000 miles extra in case of an emergency, he said.

“Therefore they have to carry an additional stock of fuel. This costs the airlines an additional expenditure.

Therefore they hesitate to visit Sri Lanka. In view of the intended International Harbour at Hambantota, a parallel Airport necessarily becomes imperative.

The cooperation of the people is extremely essential for the President’s development programme centering Hambantota,” Gunaratne said.

Ven. Varagama Gnanathilake Thera, Viharadhipathi of Dahaya Colony Viharaya said so far we did not have a clear understanding of the construction of an airport or the relief to people who lose their lands.

“But now it is clear to us that the Government is acting on proper understanding. At the same time we are confident that the Government will not do any injustice to the masses. Owing to our concern for the people we protested against the construction of the Weerawila International Airport. Since the people are entitled to redress, now as members of the Buddhist clergy, we bless this project.”

H.M. Premachandra of Kuda Gammana Dahaya said justice and fairplay is expected in respect of payment of compensation.

“Specially it has to be so in respect of valuation. So far we were not pleased on the point of compensation. Payment of at least Rs. 50,000 per acre is deemed fit,” he said.