Under this initiative Polonnaruwa, Hingurakgoda, Palali, Ratmalana, Koggala, Katukurunda, Weeravila, Trincomalee, Sigiriya, Batticaloa, Ampara, Kankesanthurai and Vavuniya airstrips will be renovated, reported Daily News.

The runways will be lengthened and widened to operate medium scale aircraft. In line with the development of these airstrips, moves are underway to import six medium-sized passenger aircraft from China. Accordingly, MA 60 aircraft which is ideal for short distance passenger transportation will be imported in due course. These aircrafts will engage in inland passenger transport, the report said.

“Even though these airstrips had been established many years ago, these are not being utilised. The Government plans to make best use of these airports”, said Port and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa.

The Daily News report further said that 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 meters. Six medium-sized aircraft are also to be imported.