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Air Force seeks runway access and land at Mattala
View(s):The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is seeking access to a runway at the Mattala International Airport to be used in case of emergency and for national security purposes, a senior official said. The SLAF is also seeking a block of airport land to be used by the military in case a need arises, the official said.
Civil Aviation Director General H.M.C. Nimalsiri also confirmed that the SLAF had sought runway access and land at the Mattala airport and the request was being considered in the national security interest. Mr. Nimalsiri said the SLAF by law had access to all of Sri Lanka’s airstrips.
The SLAF comes amid moves to hand over the 800-hectare Mattala Airport to the Airport and Aviation Authority to be operated as a joint venture with India. Of this extent of land, three hectares will be given to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) for storing of jet fuel and the SLAF is seeking 90 hectares for national security purposes.
The senior official said the SLAF request would not affect the joint venture with India. “The security of the country has to be ensured and hence it is logical to hand over a section of the land to the SLAF,” he added. The official said the SLAF’s access to the runway would not affect civil airline opertaion as the strip to be allocated to the SLAF will be from another direction like in Katunayaka.
The proposed joint venture with India is valued at US$ 2.03 billion for 40 years, with the option to extend it. In terms of the deal, the Indian Aviation will have 70 percent stake of the airport company and Sri Lanka Aviation 30 percent.
He said amendments to the Aviation Act would have to be made to implement the project, though the first stage of negotiations with India had been concluded.