• Project was launched without feasibility, planning: Deputy Minister
• Half of runway already built; work to proceed to avoid wasting funds
• Cabinet paper to seek EOIs for aviation ventures at Mattala Airport

The Hingurakgoda Airport Development Project had been initiated by the previous Government without any business plan in place, the Government has claimed. 

Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku noted that approximately half of the expanded runway at the Hingurakgoda Airport had already been completed under the previous administration. 

Accordingly, he stated that given the substantial expenditure already incurred, the Government intended to proceed with the completion of the runway.

However, he expressed concern that the development project had been initiated without a sound business plan.

“They started constructing the runway without any business plan. Since the money spent will go to waste, we will construct it. After that, we will have to come up with a business plan on what to do with it.

“The previous regime did whatever it wanted wherever it wanted. They had plans, they just didn’t have business plans,” he charged. 

Kodithuwakku further revealed that a Cabinet paper would be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers this week, seeking approval to invite Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from potential investors interested in undertaking direct and indirect aviation-related business ventures at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA).

“We are seeking Cabinet permission to call for EOIs under seven sectors,” he stated.

The Hingurakgoda Airport, formerly known as RAF Minneriya, was constructed during World War II to serve the British Royal Air Force.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe had decided to convert the airport, situated in the central part of the country, into an international airport as part of Sri Lanka’s efforts towards economic advancement.

Accordingly, the 2024 Budget allocated Rs. 2 billion for its initial construction and development. Under Phase I, the existing runway, measuring 2,287 metres in length and 46 metres in width, was planned to be extended to 2,500 metres.

Construction had been scheduled for completion within six months, with the aim of accommodating Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft.