Port City helipad among key aviation proposals

Colombo, July (Daily Mirror) - The Ministry of Defence has reviewed progress on measures to strengthen Sri Lanka's domestic aviation sector, with discussions including a proposal to establish a dedicated helicopter landing facility within Colombo Port City.

The progress review meeting was chaired by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd.) and focused on balancing operational efficiency in domestic aviation with national security requirements.

Officials reviewed the implementation of key initiatives aimed at improving security clearance procedures, streamlining operational processes, and enhancing airspace management while ensuring air defence and national security standards are maintained.

A key topic of discussion was the proposed helicopter landing facility at Colombo Port City, which is expected to support future business travel, tourism, executive transport, and emergency response operations. The Defence Secretary instructed the relevant authorities to further evaluate the proposal in consultation with all stakeholders, citing its potential strategic importance to Sri Lanka's aviation infrastructure.

Representatives of the Aircraft Operators and Owners Association welcomed the Ministry's intervention, stating that nearly 90 percent of operational and regulatory issues that had remained unresolved for more than two decades have now been addressed through the Ministry's leadership and inter-agency cooperation.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Police, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL), Urban Development Authority (UDA), the Aircraft Operators and Owners Association, and senior Ministry of Defence officials.