Government to renovate 13 airstrips
by Dharma Sri Abeyratne
The Ports and Aviation Ministry will renovate 13 inland airstrips to boost the inland air transportation system.
Under this initiative Polonnaruwa, Hingurakgoda, Palali, Ratmalana, Koggala, Katukurunda, Weeravila, Trincomalee, Sigiriya, Batticaloa, Ampara, Kankesanthurai and Vavuniya airstrips will be renovated.
The runways will be lengthened and widened to operate medium scale aircraft, Port and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa said.
In line with the development of these airstrips, moves are underway to import six medium-sized passenger aircraft from China. Accordingly, MA 60 aircraft said to be ideal for short distance passenger transportation will be imported in due course. “These aircraft will engage in inland passenger transport.
There is a huge demand of passengers between Palali and Ratmalana,” Minister Rajapaksa said.
The present high air fee will decrease after the proposed inland air transportation system is implemented, Ministry sources said.
“Though these airstrips had been established many years ago these are not being utilised. The Government plans to make best use of these airports,” the Minister said.
The Ministry has taken steps to modernize the Bandaranaike International Airport to meet international requirements.
Under this, the runaway will be lengthened up to 3,350 metres. Six medium-sized aircraft are to be imported.
The airports: Polonnaruwa, Hingurakgoda, Palali, Ratmalana, Koggala, Katukurunda, Weeravila, Trincomalee, Sigiriya, Batticaloa, Ampara, Kankesanthurai and Vavuniya.
(Source: Daily News – 03rd December, 2009)