The government has decided to convert Hingurakgoda Domestic Airport Pier, which was originally built as Minneriya Air Force Base (RAF Minneriya) by the Royal Air Force of England during the Second World War, into an air center with international facilities.
The government has allocated two billion rupees for its inauguration. The funds will be used for basic construction and development. Accordingly, the existing 2287 meters long and 46 meters wide runway will be extended to 2500 meters in the first phase.
Once this runway expansion is completed, the airport will be able to accommodate aircraft such as Airbus 320 and Boeing B737. For the entire development project, approximately Rs. 17 billion will be allocated, and all construction activities will be managed by the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva recently visited Hingurakgoda Airport to assess future development activities.