Batticaloa domestic airport will be upgraded to international standards to help improve the tourism industry and increase revenue to the country, said Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Arjuna Ranatunga.
The Minister and Deputy Minister Asoka Abeysinghe visited Batticaloa by a special flight on Friday (05). They were received by the Airport Manager Indika Fonseka and other officials. Later the visitors were given a tour around the runway and the premises of the airport.
“We have come here after making arrangements to upgrade the Palaly, Jaffna airport to international standards,” the Minister said adding that the government will in the future develop the Batticaloa airport in accordance with international standards.
Following its development, the Palaly airport is expected to operate flights to several cities in India including Mumbai, Cochin, Bangalore and Hyderabad. “Likewise flights can be operated from Batticaloa as well,” he said.
Chairman, Civil Aviation Authority Dhammika Ranathunga and other officials were in the ministerial party.