Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva yesterday unveiled plans to modernise the Hingurakgoda domestic airport with a whopping investment of Rs. 17 billion to facilitate international flight operations.
The transformative initiative is set to elevate the antiquated airport, originally constructed during World War II for the Royal Air Force of England and known as RAF Minneriya at the time, into an international aviation hub capable of facilitating international flight operations.
The Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to transforming Hingurakgoda Airport into an international aviation hub, highlighting the allocated budgetary provisions and underscored the importance of collaboration from all stakeholders to ensure the success of the development project.
“Under the visionary leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Government is committed to revitalising the centrally located Hingurakgoda Airport to unlock its full potential and contribute to the country’s economic growth. As part of this ambitious endeavour, the 2024 Budget includes a substantial financial allocation of Rs. 2 billion rupees to kick-start the initial construction and development activities,” De Silva said during special inspection at the airport.
He disclosed the Government’s broader vision to operate Hingurakgoda Airport alongside other key airports such as Katunayake, Mattala, Ratmalana and Jaffna, thereby enhancing connectivity and facilitating economic growth across the country.
The first phase of development in Hingurakgoda will primarily focus on extending the existing runway from its current length of 2,287 meters to 2,500 meters, with a width of 46 meters. This critical enhancement will enable the runway to accommodate larger aircrafts such as Airbus A320 and Boeing B737, thus paving the way for expanded international flight operations. The inspection tour was attended by key officials including Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Ministry Secretary K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, Sri Lanka Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Civil Aviation Authority Acting Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. Chairman Athula Galketiya and Civil Aviation Authority Director-General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sagara Kotakadeniya.
