Sri Lanka begins upgrading work on Hingurakgoda Airport
The Morning: The development of the Hingurakgoda Airport into an international civil airport has commenced, with the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) being tasked with extending its existing runway, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva revealed that the development of the Hingurakgoda Airport into an international civil airport had begun and that the SLAF had already commenced the preliminary work.
“The preliminary work will be done by the Air Force, which has been assigned to construct the extension of the current runway,” he said.
However, he refused to provide a timeline for the transformation of the airport into an international civil airport, claiming that it was too premature to specify a timeline.
The Minister further revealed that the feasibility study – carried out by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL) – had been completed but said he was unaware of the contents of the report.
In announcing the Government’s decision last year to upgrade the Hingurakgoda Airport as an international civil airport, de Silva pointed out it would facilitate convenient visits to Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, and Dambulla.
“A field study will be conducted pertaining to improving and developing the airport for the landing and takeoff of A330 aircraft. Extending the current 2,287 m runway up to 2,800 m, construction of an access way to the airport runway, setting up an air navigation system, and construction of an Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower and a passenger terminal at the airport were decided as essential measures,” he added, when announcing the decision.
During the 2024 Budget speech, President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Minister of Finance announced that Rs. 2 billion would be allocated for the project.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic activities that are bound to see further expansion in the coming months with the country targeting on becoming a regional hub have increased the need for the country to further strengthen the local airport and aviation industries. The strengthening of the airport and aviation industries will support Sri Lanka’s economic growth through the improved internal and external connectivity. Therefore, the Sri Lankan government’s decision to further strengthen internal and external connectivity in the country for greater economic growth presents a host of new business/investment opportunities for foreign businesses/investors looking at engaging with the country. Given Sri Lanka’s strategic positioning in the Indian Ocean and the many trade agreements as well as trade concessions enjoyed with other countries, the country provides the best venue for foreign businesses/investors to set up base to engage with other countries in the region. The growth potential in the country also serves as a great attraction for foreign businesses to explore opportunities and collaborations in Sri Lanka.