Ratmalana Airport to be used to park planes during CHOGM

18 October 2013 05:22 am - 22 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Ratmalana Airport would be kept ready to accommodate international flights during the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) Summit if and when it is needed, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka said yesterday.

Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority H. M. C. Nimalsiri told Daily Mirror that the airport was ready to accept international flights during the summit.

“The airport is capable of handling commercial business jets if there is congestion at the Bandaranaike International Airport during the Commonwealth Summit,” he said. He pointed out that small jets can land at the airport even now.

According to Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Dr. Ravindra Ruberu heads of state that wish to fly in their private jets to participate in the summit will be allowed to park their aircraft at the Ratmalana Airport .

However, he reiterated that all heads of state would be expected to arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport while their private jets would be sent to the Ratmalana Airport to be parked there.

The Ratmalana Airport was constructed in 1934 and operated international flights till the new airport at Katunayake came into operation in 1967 after which it was left with the relatively small market for domestic air travel.

(Yohan Perera)

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Comments - 22

philip Friday, 18 October 2013 11:26 AM

May be mattala is better useful as a cattle shed.

mike Sunday, 20 October 2013 06:23 AM

Think of the logistics if we used Mattala ? the Security detail needed to support the use of the free way from Mattala to Colombo of the visiting heads of state. This would mean spending extra on the already high costs . Nothing wrong using Ratmalana Airbase , its in Colombo and close to the city with various road links to enter Colombo.

Lasitha Friday, 18 October 2013 02:55 PM

FYI....... From Wikipedia..........

Ratmalana Airport (Currently known as Colombo City Airport) (IATA: RML, ICAO: VCCC), formally known as Colombo Airport, is one of the two international airports serving the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka, the other being Bandaranaike International Airport. It's also a major domestic airport and military base in Colombo. It was once Colombo's sole international airport before the construction of Bandaranaike International Airport in the 1960s. After the ongoing renovations Ratmalana Airport will resume operating international flights[1] The Ratmalana airport has been declared open[citation needed] for small international commercial flights. It was the second airport in Sri Lanka after Trincomalee Airport.

Dilum Friday, 18 October 2013 02:42 PM

common guys who will provide security to heads of states from Mattala to Colombo??? in which case Ratmalana is the option. Think of the facts without being negative always!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dilum Friday, 18 October 2013 02:38 PM

common guys,who will provide security to heads of states to travel from Mattala to Colombo? so Ratmalana is a better option.Think of the facts without being negative always!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monkey Joe Friday, 18 October 2013 02:21 PM

Mostly monkeys & peacocks are there

Asela Perera Friday, 18 October 2013 01:50 PM

You are the dumbest and most idiotic fool, what is the use of Mattala? for what? dumb fools like you

Asela Perera Friday, 18 October 2013 01:48 PM

What about Mattala? this is why the inter interllectuals said that Mattala is no use, but our dumb uneducated politicians who has no education nor the basic knowledge comes to the power, and their followers would do. If I was the president I would use my brains and lot of common sense before I do something, rather than spending poor tax payers money like their own inheritant. Should have improved Katunyake and revamp Ratmalana with the rest of the money spended on Mattala. I only hope that Daily Mirror has a back borne as a free media and publish my comment.

Dumina parajasingam Friday, 18 October 2013 01:35 PM

You hope, you useless chap. What a loser you are.

Sujeewa Friday, 18 October 2013 01:01 PM

You are dwefinitely ignorant. Have you been to Mattala? What is wrong with you?

Renu Friday, 18 October 2013 11:32 AM

Why what about Mattala .Rqajapakse International Airport. The Pilots will be able to watch Wild life

ANTON Friday, 18 October 2013 05:32 AM

MATTALA ONE IS STILL IDLING ???

Nodrog Friday, 18 October 2013 11:21 AM

With citizens like you is it any wonder? You're looking like a fool even before the CHOGM.

Dee Friday, 18 October 2013 10:59 AM

your wishes will come true.katukurunda domestic. mattala international

Jagath Leanage Friday, 18 October 2013 08:59 AM

If mattala is not using atleast for parking better to use that as a Formula 1 Race track.

Don Siman Friday, 18 October 2013 08:12 AM

Please assure the conditions of the runaway for these modern air crafts by international experts, before deciding the " things" by yourselves.

Monkey Joe Friday, 18 October 2013 07:58 AM

If these planes are parked at Mattala might be used by the Sri Lankan Politicians or taken over by the SL Govt. for their own use.

mahinda attanayaka Friday, 18 October 2013 07:54 AM

realllllly you guys proved that MATHTHALA AIR PORT CONDITION WITH THIS.

Deva Friday, 18 October 2013 06:57 AM

make open Rathmalana for international flights.

sam Friday, 18 October 2013 06:36 AM

you have deliberately forgotten mattala international airport.

Duminda N Jayatileke Friday, 18 October 2013 06:26 AM

Mattala like the rest of SL is not up to international standard. SL will look fools after CHOGM.

John Friday, 18 October 2013 05:40 AM

What better opportunity to showcase Mattala.......

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Ratmalana Airport to be used to park planes during CHOGM

Comments - 22

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