Colombo Port City to add aquatic airport

The fast progressing Colombo Port City will see the addition of an aquatic airport, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

According to Ranatunga, the preliminary work of the airport has reached completion.

The setting up of the water airport, which allows seaplanes, floatplanes and amphibious aircraft to land and take off, was announced at a special discussion held with the relevant authorities to develop selected domestic airports in the country. 

The setting up of such an airport at Colombo Port City is to promote the tourism industry, Ranatunga said.

During the meeting that was held this week, the need to expedite the development of the domestic airports located across the country was highlighted.

The five domestic airports that are located in the tourist zones in Sigiriya, Koggala, Ampara, Anuradhapura and Hingurakgoda, have been prioritised for development.

Ranatunga said the development of the Batticaloa Airport as a domestic airport could also boost the tourism industry along the east coast. 

Sri Lanka has 10 domestic airstrips under the control of the Sri Lanka Air Force at present in Sigiriya, Koggala, Ampara, Anuradhapura, Hingurakgoda, Katukurunda, Trincomalee, Vavuniya, Weerawila and Puttalam.