President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, delivering the 2027 Budget Speech in Parliament yesterday (12), announced that a proposal will be submitted to obtain approval for aircraft operating from Ratmalana International Airport to fly over the Parliament complex, addressing an existing restriction that has been identified as an obstacle to the airport’s further development.
The President explained that the airport’s runway is aligned towards the direction of Parliament, and restrictions on aircraft flying over the Parliament area have posed a challenge to expanding the airport’s operational capabilities.
“We are proposing to allow aircraft to fly over it. We will get this done very soon. If anyone has any objections, they can raise them now. What is the problem with flying over it?” the President remarked humorously.
Ratmalana International Airport is set to be developed as a key aviation hub focusing on pilot training, domestic air services, business aviation and regional aviation operations.
As part of the development programme, a Rs. 6,000 million project to rehabilitate the existing runway and extend its length from 1,400 metres to 1,771 metres is scheduled to commence in 2027. The project will be funded by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited (AASL), with the aim of enhancing aviation safety and improving the airport’s operational capabilities.
