Dharma Sri Abeyratne
Ports Shipping and Aviation Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said a decision will be taken on the Mattala International Airport and the Hambantota Harbour after the completing of the on-going reviews.
The minister was speaking at the Civil Aviation Authority Head office yesterday.
Minister Ranatunga said the ministry has received several proposals from international and local parties regarding the Mattala International Airport. Several airlines including a few Asian and European airlines have shown interest in conducting business at Mattala. However, a final decision would be taken based on the outcome of the review, which is in progress, he said.
The review will look into all aspects of the airport aiming to be utilised as a profitable venture. "However, utmost attention will be drawn on national security and productiveness on the airport before taking a decision," the minister said.
The minister said attention has been drawn to developing the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to meet global trends and needs of the aviation sector. Under this, the runway will be developed and renovated, he said.
Asked about developing domestic airports, which was said to be the key project of the former government, he said much attention will be paid to develop domestic airports in the North and East rather than other provinces.
He said around 60 percent of the work on phase two of the Hambantota harbour development project has been completed.
The minister added that separate committees have been appointed to inqure into SriLankan Airlines and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
These committees will conduct a comprehensive review regarding those entities aiming to utilise them as profit making ventures.
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