Airstrip in Kilinochchi

19 July 2011 06:38 am Views - 7210

By Supun Dias

The Sri Lanka Air Force today opened an airstrip in the former LTTE stronghold Kilinochchi. The initial landing was done by an Y12 aircraft in the presence of   Air Force Commander, Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama.

Air Force Spokesperson Group Captain Andy Wijesuriya said that a small part of the airstrip had been used by the LTTE for training purposes. The airstrip was renovated by the airmen and now it is able to handle light aircraft such as Y12 and all types of helicopters.

The airstrip which is 1000 meters long is situated north to the Iranamadu airstrip. It is one kilometer from the Killinochchi Security Forces Headquarters and nine kilometers away from the A9 road.

“In the near future the SLAF is planning to expand its Helitours operations to Kilinochchi from Ratmalana. We have plans to develop basic infrastructure around the airstrip”, he said.

Group Captain Wijesuriya said that the Iranamadu air strip will also be renovated in the near future for commercial and military purposes. The Air Force has a base in Iranamadu at the moment. (Daily Mirror online)