Sri Lanka to establish second international airport
[25 May 2001]

A feasibility study on establishing Sri Lanka's second international airport is nearing completion. A committee appointed by the Ministry of Aviation has examined Hingurakgoda, Mathugama and Angunakolapelessa for this purpose.

Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation W.P.S Jayawardene said that an alternate airport was a must for Sri Lanka, as aircraft had to be diverted to Chennai in times of emergency or adverse weather conditions. He said that the alternate airport should have a completely opposite weather pattern compared to the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake. 

Sri Lanka has a great potential as an aviation and shipping hub in South Asia due to the island's geographical location and climatic conditions. The establishment of a second international Airport would boost tourist arrivals and benefit the companies in the Export Processing Zones.

Hingurakgoda     -     216 km from Colombo

Mathugama        -     85 km from Colombo

Angunakolapelessa  -  200 km from Colombo

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Last Updated Date: December 17, 2003 .