Wildlife office to be established at Mattala airport

Colombo, April 27 (Daily Mirror) - An agreement has been signed to establish a Wildlife Office at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport to address animal-related threats and ensure the safety of airport operations.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the airport premises under the patronage of Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy Anura Karunathilaka. The initiative aims to manage biodiversity risks in the surrounding environment while maintaining secure and efficient airport services.

The MoU was signed between Airports and Civil Aviation Sri Lanka Limited and the Department of Wildlife Conservation. 

Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation and Acting Chairman of the Airports and Civil Aviation Limited, W.W.S. Mangala, and Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Ranjan Marasinghe, were among the signatories.

The Ministry of Environment, headed by Dammika Patabendi, has extended its full support for the establishment of the office.

Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku and Hambantota District MP Nihal Galappaththi were also present at the event. Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority Sunil Jayaratne and Director General Captain Daminda Rambukwella attended alongside senior officials representing Customs, Immigration and airport management.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Karunathilaka stressed that the establishment of the Wildlife Office holds international significance, noting that environmental risks around the airport must be managed in line with regulations set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

He further stated that opportunities have been opened for local and foreign investors to utilize Mattala Airport’s resources, including internal and ground operations and development activities. A Cabinet-appointed committee is currently overseeing the process to select a suitable investment partner in a transparent manner, with the aim of boosting the tourism sector.