Private operators who want to build an Airport in Southern Sri Lanka are asking the government to arrange loan facilities to part fund it, Southern Development Minister Ananda Kularatne said.
The Airport & Aviation Services Ltd (AASL), a state owned firm that owns and operates Katunayake International Airport has just concluded a feasibility study, which has found that a second international airport in the South of the country would cost a minimum of US $ 70 mn to set up.rn
rnldblquote This includes a runway and basic terminal facilities, dblquote Minister Kularatne told journalists on Tuesday.rn
rnAASL has named two sites, Udamattala in Lunugamwehera and Kuda Oya in Wellawaya, though Kuda Oya may have the edge.rn
rnSeveral private operators, whom the Minister declined to name, have already expressed interest and are asking government support in getting a loan.rn
rnThe Airport may go ahead as a build operate transfer or build operate own project.rn
rnMinistry Secretary C Maliyadda says the g