Ratmalana Airport is to commence regional and international flights from 29th of this month almost half a century later from its inception.
State Minister of Aviation and Export Zones Development, D.V. Chanaka
State Minister of Aviation and Export Zones Development, D.V. Chanaka said that International flights would commence from Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana from the 29th of this month. In particular, flights from South India, Male and Bangladesh via India to Ratmalana will be based in Ratmalana Airport.
These facts were revealed during a discussion on the development of Ratmalana Airport held at the State Ministry of Aviation and Export Zones Development. Secretary to the Ministry Janaka Chandragupta, Chairman of Airports and Aviation Retired Major General GA Chandrasiri, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority Upul Dharmadasa and Director
General Captain Themiya Abeywickrama were also present at the discussion.
Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana was established in 1938 and regional international flights were not operational due to the commencement of flights from Katunayake International Airport in 1968. Mr. Chanaka says that steps have
already been taken to launch new regional international flights using the resources available at the Ratmalana Airport.
President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has stated in his policy statement that Sri Lanka would be developed as a regional aviation hub. Accordingly, two airlines have already agreed to launch regional international flights based on India and the Maldives. He said talks were underway with several other airlines and those talks were positive. The State Ministry of Aviation and Export Zones Development has taken steps to develop the Ratmalana International Airport in several key areas. It is also being developed as a local aviation hub, recreational aviation hub and aviation training center. In addition, measures will be taken to promote the bringing of private jets to Sri Lanka targeting high income earners and to meet the requirements of technical and parking services for private jets such as jet refueling.
In addition, promotions are expected to be launched at Ratmalana Airport for international commercial and corporate flights as well as private jet operations. Action will be taken to bring high income earners to Sri Lanka. Ratmalana Airport also has facilities for technical and parking services for private jets and refueling. State Minister of Aviation and Export Zones Development DV Chanaka stated that in the future it is expected to promote these services in the world as well.
