President declares open Jaffna International Airport
The Jaffna International Airport was declared open by President Maithripala Sirisena in Palaly today (17).Prime Minister Ranil Wickresminghe, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Arjuna Ranatunga along with other dignitaries graced the inaugural event.
Sri Lankan transport minister Arjuna Ranatunga said the airport built with Indian assistance marks an important development for the region as well as whole of Sri Lanka.Marking inauguration of Jaffna International Airport, Alliance Air (the subsidiary of Air India) launched a flight to the airport with invitees from the aviation industry on Thursday. Jaffna will be the airline’s 55th and first international addition to the list.
The runway length has been extended from 950 to 1,400 metres to facilitate ATR 72 aircraft carrying 70 passengers. Formerly known as Palaly Airport and Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Palaly, the airport has a history tracing back to Second World War wherein it was built by the Royal Air Force of Britain and served as the country’s second international airport before being taken over by the Sri Lanka Air Force.Under phase 2, the runway length will be extended up to 2300 metres allowing for bigger aircrafts. The decision to develop the Jaffna Airport to operate regional commercial flights was taken on August 6.
The Cabinet memorandum in this regard was submitted by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to develop the airport to operate commercial flights and to promote tourism. Sri Lankan government is also planning to develop Batticalao airport in eastern province to improve connectivity.
(Government News Portal)
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Opening a New airport is a good job but make sure develop the Mattala airport also…
The UNP govt not developing Mattala due to Rajapaksha’s name. that is a bad job
If I’m not mistaken, Modi asked RW to expedite development of the airport during his visit to Sri Lanka.
Who knows why; to appease the South Indian voters?
During such a financially crucial time, and with a serious lapse in security, was it wise to develop the airport now?
Certainly the more airports there are it will reduce the congestion at BIA. About the Mattala airport we all know why that was criticized so much and we all know the same thing happened to the Hamnantota Port. The big rock that was blocking the entrance suddenly diisapered and the Chinese are operating it and making money. This is the story of the UNP and Yahapalanya.
This is not a good move. There should be only 1 international Airport to the country consists of 65610sqft land. Others can be domestic airports.
With this, there will be a big threat opening up to the country if proper screening facility not installed. This opening is one of the election promised given for the Northern politicians earlier by the Yahapalana Govt.
Maraya. You got a very good point. This could be a serious threat to the security of the country. Also an opening for the LTTE who still have aspirations of making their dream of having Seperate state a reality.
No matter how much development is carried out in the north the west will still find some thing to complain about because that’s the story of the LTTR supporters.
Very true Mr Fernando,
This airport with proposed daily flights from Chennai under an Indian airline operator, will enable more LTTE supporters and illegal immigrants to enter the country unheeded.
Bypassing BIA to enter the country is a serious security threat.
Very likely that custom and immigration officers are locals from North; likely to have affiliations with their separate state demands.
Current political focus on upcoming elections, and demilitarisation of area, courtesy of UNP, will mean that activities in this airport are likely to go unchecked and unchallenged.
PM cannot be trusted to do what is best for the country. This is one of many errors he has made to the detriment of all of us!