President opens newly constructed runway in Iranamadu
President Mahinda Rajapaksa ceremonially opened the newly constructed runway in Iranamadu on Saturday. Air Force Commander Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama received the President on arrival at the new Air Force facility.
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) MA60 aircraft carrying the President landed at the new runway.
He opened the Iranamadu Airport ceremonially unveiling the commemorative plaque. The runway is located inside the perimeter of the Sri Lanka Air Force Station in Iranamadu.
The area was once a terrorist air base and was a no go zone for the people. The LTTE during their reign of terror had strictly enforced their law of terror on anyone who tried to enter this area. With the end of the humanitarian operations, the Air Force took over the facility and the runway was constructed by the Rapid Runway Repair Wing of the SLAF. Work on the project began on August 12,2011.
The Iranamadu runway is the first ever such facility to be built entirely by the SLAF in the country. The construction was carried out in accordance with International Civil Aviation standards.
The runway is 1,500 metres in length and 25 metres in width. It can accommodate the landing of even the largest aircraft of the SLAF, the C 130.
The Airport also has a passenger terminal to ease passenger operations and an Air Traffic Control tower.
The airport can be reached through the Mankulam, Olumadu and Ampakamam route which is around 18 km or by the 16km Killinochchi -Wattakachchi and Ramanathapuram - Kalmadu route.
The new domestic airport will ease the transportation to the North with the rest of the county and it will cater to both domestic and military purposes. Tourists can now save time and travel in comfort to their favourite destinations in the north. With the post war development activities in full swing, the former conflict zone has seen an unprecedented economic and social revival.
The opening up of new tourist destinations has led to a boom in the eastern hospitality industry. Domestic air transportation industry is poised to achieve greater heights in the future.
Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda, Northern Provincial Governor Maj Gen (Rtd) G.A Chandrasiri, Army Commander General Jagath Jayasuriya, senior officials of the Army and Air Force were also present.
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