Palali Air Port handed over to India, Defence Base vacated-'Lanka Irida
Saturday, 14 August 2010 15:13
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has planned to construct an International Air Port and Sri Lanka's government has agreed to hand over Palali Air Port for this purpose which is under the supervision of Sri Lanka Air Force. According to this new project of AAI this airport is expected to be further expanded. President of The Airports Authority of India Mr. V.P Agarwal has commented to "Lanka Guardian" website that the fundamental supervision report of this project has been drafted already. Financial Director of AAI Mr. Sathis C. Chatwal had stated to an Indian website that around 4000 to 5000 million rupees is expected to be invested for the fundamental step of this project.
Although The Airport Authority of India has already drafted the fundamental supervision report pertaining to Palali International Air Port, so far Sri Lanka's government has not signed any agreement regarding this issue Deputy Minister of Economic Development Lakshman Yapa Abewardana said when a question was raised by Lanka Irida News Paper. When they posed a question whether there was any arrangement to build a tourist zone in the vicinity Deputy Minister stated that although there is an idea no formal decision has been taken so far.
Speaking about this issue Air Force Spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakakara said that he has not aware regarding any decision of handing Palali Air Port to India.
Palali Defence Base which is the main defence base in Northern Province has also been planned to be dislodged from current location. Palali air track which is 1.7km long and High Security Zone stretches over 25 square kilometer. Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Khand and Sri Lanka's Prime- Minister D.M. Jayarathna held a special discussion last April regarding the development of this air port.
According to reliable internal sources Indian delegates informed Sri Lankan delegates in a diplomatic discussion that Palali Defence Base will be a hindrance to the Tourist Zone which is expected to be built there.
