Udamattala Airport project:

Land acquisition to be expedited

Chaminda PERERA

Ports, Aviation and Water Management Minister Chamal Rajapaksa has directed the officials to expedite the acquisition of lands to begin construction of the proposed International Airport at Udamattala in Hambantota which will serve as an alternative to the Bandaranaike International Airport.

The Government has earmarked a land in extent of 800 hectares for this purpose and the construction of an electric fence has also been expedited.

The Government has already predicted a massive economic boom on completion of the Udamaththala International Airport. The airport related industries such as aircraft painting, aircraft workshops, engine repair shops will also take ground, a Ministry spokesman said.

The Minister has stressed the need of ensuring the protection of the enviornment and natural habitat in the area during the construction.

“The Minister has issued instructions that construction should commence only after having received necessary permission from the Central Environment Authority”.

He said this will be the first eco-friendly airport in Sri Lanka. Considering the economic development of the Southern Province, the Government believes that more than 500,000 passengers would use the Udamattala Airport by 2028 and the forecast cargo volume is 50,000 metric tonnes.

A survey on the runway of 3500 m in length and 75 m in width has already been completed.

The whole area of land allocated for the construction of Airport belongs to the Government and a small area of land is being used by farmers for agricultural activities.

A taxiway, parking facilities, passenger terminal building, air traffic control tower and cargo building are expected to be built at the proposed site for the Maththala International Airport.

This new airport will reduce congestion at the BIA and tourism and hospitality industry will also gather momentum.