SOLAR NEWS

The construction of Sri Lanka’s 2nd International Airport at Mattala in the Hambantota Project is progressing in full swing. This Project which will cover 2,000 hectares will cost U.S.$ 209 Million and the first phase will be completed by mid 2012. The project was launched by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on November 27, last year in line with the Greater Hambantota City Development Program.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Aviation Mr.K.V.P.Ranjith de Silva said, the first flight will land in Mattala airport by mid 2012 upon completion of the first phase of the project. The construction project consists of two phases. The runway, which is being constructed under first phase is 3,500 metres in length and 75 metres in width. It is large enough to operate any jumbo size aircraft like A380 air-bus, the largest aircraft ever built. A bare land affected by the scarcity of water has been selected as the airport construction site. Under first phase. 800 hectares of land has been acquired while under the second phase another 1,200 hectares of land will be further acquired..

Under the first phase, basic aerodynamic facilities, runway, air traffic controlling tower, apron, taxiway passenger and cargo terminals, access roads, accommodation for officials, fuel storages,sewerage treatment plant, water supply facilities, meteorological building, fire fighting facilities, buildings for catering facilities and car park will be constructed. The controlling tower will be in the shape of a lotus lower, symbolizing the cultural heritage of the country.

Under the second phase which will cover 1,200 hectares of land,construction of airport and aviation related facilities will be established. These work would include an aircraft servicing and a repairing centre, hotel and recreational facilities, a pilot training centre, maintenance hub, a private jet parking hub, technical training centres, a full length parallel taxiway and many other facilities.After construction of this airport, it is expected to hold one million passenger transactions annually through the airport. Anticipated air cargo transaction rate per annum is 45,000 metric tons, while the expected aircraft movement rate will be 30,000 per annum.The airport will provide around 2,000 direct employment and a considerable number of indirect employment opportunities. The new airport will be a boon to the local aviation industry while being a catalyst for the economic development of the Southern province generating international trade, tourism, vocational training and employment.