Airport, aviation forum - positioning Sri Lanka as a gateway to Asia

The Shippers’ Academy Colombo has organized a forum, to discuss the developing aviation industry in Sri Lanka which will have direct impact on tourism and logistics.

This presentation will be by Airport, Aviation Services Sri Lanka (AASL) Chairman. Prasanna Wickramasuriya on March 9, 2012, at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce from 9 am to 11.30 am addressing the industry. This will give an opportunity to the trade sector to interact with AASL officials to seek investment opportunities and clarify matters regarding the industry.

The aviation industry in Sri Lanka is in its infancy and opportunities are now opening as the policy makers are expanding infrastructure projects to make Sri Lanka a gateway to Asia. The vision of the government is to make aviation one of the parallel hubs along with other sectors.

Whilst the BIA at Katunayake is on an expansion drive, the government is planning to open Hambantota International Airport (HIA) in Maththala in 2012 in addition to developing domestic airports and air services. Already RFPs have been called for from private investors to various projects and the AASL chief is keen to have a constructive dialogue with the industry to build the necessary policy framework and to incorporate valuable input to achieve the desired goals. More details could be obtained from www.shippersacademy.lk