Construction of Hambantota Airport Development Project is nearing completion. Both Cargo and Passenger Terminals have been expanded and facilities added to the Terminal and Airport Infrastructure.

The Authorities expect to open the Airport in the first quarter of the year.

Government spokesman Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that the cabinet has approved the obtaining of US 80 million loan facility from the China exim bank for the purpose. The Construction of Hambantota Air port is funded by the china Exim bank and the cost involve is over 206 million US dollar.

The new MRO facility will also be set up by the same contractor the china harbour corporaion. This will increase employment opportunities for the local population and also stimulate economic development in the Southern Region.

Meanwhile the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. and Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) have signed a loan agreement for a sum of Japanese Yen 28,969 million for the implementation of the projects for the port expansion which is expected to be completed by the end of 2015.

The work will consist of expansion of the terminal building, expansion of the Aircraft Parking Apron, Public Utilities etc.

The proposal made by Piyankara Jayaratne, Minister of Civil Aviation, to proceed with the project, was approved by the Cabinet.