Jaffna International Airport to get Rs. 600 million terminal
The Morning: The Jaffna International Airport is set to receive a new terminal building, with a potential runway expansion currently under consideration.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku said that they had commenced the tender process to identify a contractor for the construction of a new terminal building at the Jaffna International Airport in Palaly.
“A new terminal building will be constructed at the Jaffna International Airport. We are presently in the tendering process,” he stated.
He further revealed that the proposed construction of the new terminal building at the airport would be fully funded by the Government and that the project was estimated to cost approximately Rs. 600 million.
While he acknowledged that it was premature to specify a definitive timeline, he expressed optimism that the new terminal could be completed within two years.
The Deputy Minister further disclosed that the Government was planning to extend the runway at the airport.
However, he clarified that no formal procurement process had yet been initiated, as the project remained in its preliminary phase, adding that they were still awaiting the results of the feasibility study launched to assess the viability of the proposed expansion.
Responding to a query from The Sunday Morning Business, Kodithuwakku confirmed that the Government had no intention of handing over the management of the Jaffna International Airport to an external party, unlike the previous administration’s approach with the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA).
OSL take:
The expanding trade, business and tourism industries in Sri Lanka has created the need for improved and developed internal as well as external connectivity, which are also prerequisites of a country that is working towards becoming a regional hub. It is in such a backdrop that the Sri Lankan government has taken steps to further develop and expand Sri Lanka’s airport and aviation sector to improve connectivity. One such programme is to uplift and develop regional airports to improve air connectivity to support Sri Lanka’s trade, business and tourism industries. This programme has in turn presented a host of business/investment opportunities for foreign businesses/investors. Given the expanding economy supported by the country’s geographical positioning in the Indian Ocean and strong trade ties with many foreign countries, the increasing business potential in Sri Lanka’s trade, business and tourism industries is evident by the ongoing expansion and development programmes in these industries as well as the interest shown by foreign businesses/investors to explore the growing opportunities in expanding the country’s airport and aviation sectors.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20250820/Z_1 |