The Mattala International Airport is an international airport currently under construction in Mattala, in the Hambantota District in the south of Sri Lanka. Upon completion, the Mattala International Airport will be Sri Lanka's second international airport, joining the Bandaranaike International Airport. It will primarily serve the city of Hambantota, along with the southern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka.

Initial plans to build an international airport serving the south of Sri Lanka at Weerawila, but these plans were scrapped due to environmental concerns. The site was then moved to Mattala, a small town 15 kilometers north of Hambantota. Construction on the $200 million first phase of the airport began in November 2009, and is expected to be completed by December 2011, with the first flight scheduled to land in January 2012.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P5CynS8XuVI/S7IIANkxXTI/AAAAAAAABjk/ByS026nvAgs/s1600/Mattala_International_Airport_Sri_Lanka.jpg

Animated walkthrough :

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Mattala Airport main road work begins

Construction work on the main access route to the Mattala Airport has commenced.

The construction was launched under the patronage of the Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa.

The main road will have six lanes. The first stage will be 13
kilometers from Mattala to Kataragama via Lunugamvehera. A programme
is also planned for the planting of “Na” plants on either side of the road.

Source (http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15214&Itemid=44)

So if I'm correct... there's an access road towards Kataragama and the A2, but what about Hambantota to the south and the port? And perhaps a linkup to the Nonagama-Pelmadulla road? I think at least Hambantota would probably have to have a good direct link instead of having to go in a more roundabout route from Lunugamvehera.

I understand the airport will be connected to the Southern expressway also.

by A. Waidyasekera, Ambalantota Corr.

The Maththala Airport Project would cost US $ 200 million and the construction work of the first phase will be completed this year, Airport and Aviation services CEO Yohan Jayaratne told The Island.

He said although 2,000 hectares had been allocated for the construction of the airport only 800 hectares will be developed at the initial stage.

The main aim of the airport is to support development of the Hambantota region and adjoining districts.

He said the airport project would be a catalyst for the development of Hambantota and adjoining district.


http://www.island.lk/2010/05/25/news15.html

by A. Waidyasekera, Ambalantota Corr.

The Maththala Airport Project would cost US $ 200 million and the construction work of the first phase will be completed this year, Airport and Aviation services CEO Yohan Jayaratne told The Island.

He said although 2,000 hectares had been allocated for the construction of the airport only 800 hectares will be developed at the initial stage.

The main aim of the airport is to support development of the Hambantota region and adjoining districts.

He said the airport project would be a catalyst for the development of Hambantota and adjoining district.


http://www.island.lk/2010/05/25/news15.html


:ohno: Waste of $200M, only if Mr. Rajapakse wasn`t so ego we could have got a gud airport some where in the east or north, which would have been useful, i say this is no use, Colombo airport is not even that busy to have another Airport close by and how many people wanna land in an airport and when u step out all u see is cows and pigs roaming around ? We could have used this money to build a better cricket stadium or clean the city of Colombo or something

^^ thats a very nagativist attitude. THe airport certainly will help bring in more investment to the region. It is planned for the future. Every country with some vision for the future invests in new township, regenerating old run down or poor neighbourhood etc hopingto bring in new life to the region.

Having said that it is important that Jaffna and Trinco airport be renovated and be made operational to international traffic at the earliest.

Well what to expect from Tig? He is a moronic UNP supporter who can't see beyond what his thick green glasses show him.

They have egos the size of Texas as evident from the party leadership consistently throwing out moronic excuses for its failure in elections rather than the obvious problem being its stupid policies and attitudes during the war as well as the belief the nations masses are stupid and can be tricked and conned -that has not worked.

He cries for India's well being too.

Good joke considering it was India that wrecked the UNP sine 77-91 making SL burn.

And finally whats wrong with developing the south? Why must the south and the masses the south who have given so much for the country in terms of lives to protect its unity for 2,000 years be left in poverty? While the North and East is "developed" ahead of them?

The sheer hatred of the Colombians (UNP power base) for the ordinary Sinhalese masses can be seen by the sheer neglect to the South and Centre and other Sinhala areas of the country during the last 60 years. After being already brutally ravaged for 450 years by European savages for the very reason the people of the south held the nation together coupled with destruction they did to agro-subsistence economy that threw the masses into poverty so called “independence” the situation did not change then again this is unsurprising as the Colombians loyally continued the policies of the masters who created them as they know only servitude, servitude which we witness to this day. Colombians like Tig only know how to worship those who crush them (West, India) while spitting on those who defend them/help them e.g. Sinhalese of the South and China.

The North was highly developed, equal to Colombo, it was the arrogance of Tamils followed by their incompetence that led to it becoming worse than the Congo, where ironically the only thing keeping the North and East alive were hand outs, services and other freebies from Sinhalese, the very same Sinhalese they were waging war with and the likes of Amithalingam or Chelvankayam would poor hate on.

The people of the south deserve some upliftment for once. Rajapakse may not be perfect but he is the best choice, at least he is doing his promises.

Well what to expect from Tig? He is a moronic UNP supporter who can't see beyond what his thick green glasses show him.

They have egos the size of Texas as evident from the party leadership consistently throwing out moronic excuses for its failure in elections rather than the obvious problem being its stupid policies and attitudes during the war as well as the belief the nations masses are stupid and can be tricked and conned -that has not worked.

He cries for India's well being too.

Good joke considering it was India that wrecked the UNP sine 77-91 making SL burn.

And finally whats wrong with developing the south? Why must the south and the masses the south who have given so much for the country in terms of lives to protect its unity for 2,000 years be left in poverty? While the North and East is "developed" ahead of them?

The sheer hatred of the Colombians (UNP power base) for the ordinary Sinhalese masses can be seen by the sheer neglect to the South and Centre and other Sinhala areas of the country during the last 60 years. After being already brutally ravaged for 450 years by European savages for the very reason the people of the south held the nation together coupled with destruction they did to agro-subsistence economy that threw the masses into poverty so called “independence” the situation did not change then again this is unsurprising as the Colombians loyally continued the policies of the masters who created them as they know only servitude, servitude which we witness to this day. Colombians like Tig only know how to worship those who crush them (West, India) while spitting on those who defend them/help them e.g. Sinhalese of the South and China.

The North was highly developed, equal to Colombo, it was the arrogance of Tamils followed by their incompetence that led to it becoming worse than the Congo, where ironically the only thing keeping the North and East alive were hand outs, services and other freebies from Sinhalese, the very same Sinhalese they were waging war with and the likes of Amithalingam or Chelvankayam would poor hate on.

The people of the south deserve some upliftment for once. Rajapakse may not be perfect but he is the best choice, at least he is doing his promises.

Im not from Colombo, eventhough i lived there. My hometown is Sooriyawewa, Hambantota, so don`t talk like u know. And what Mr. Rajapakse is trying to do is that he is trying to bring Las Vegas to Somalia, its not gonna work, first they need proper schools in those areas, each schools are like kilometers away. First we need to build schools, Colleges, Markets, Houses/apartments, proper water supply/Sanitation parks and etc. We cant just build an Airport and couple of 3-4 Stars hotel and a cricket stadium nowhere and expect people to come, this is not developing and i msure that im not the only thats thinking about this. places like Trinco or Jaffna are already in gud competion, they just need some improvements. Trinco already has tourism arrival after the war so it makes sense to build airport there and beside they already have runway that are pretty long.

Im not from Colombo, eventhough i lived there. My hometown is Sooriyawewa, Hambantota, so don`t talk like u know. And what Mr. Rajapakse is trying to do is that he is trying to bring Las Vegas to Somalia, its not gonna work, first they need proper schools in those areas, each schools are like kilometers away. First we need to build schools, Colleges, Markets, Houses/apartments, proper water supply/Sanitation parks and etc. We cant just build an Airport and couple of 3-4 Stars hotel and a cricket stadium nowhere and expect people to come, this is not developing and i msure that im not the only thats thinking about this. places like Trinco or Jaffna are already in gud competion, they just need some improvements. Trinco already has tourism arrival after the war so it makes sense to build airport there and beside they already have runway that are pretty long.

Who said to be a Colombian you need to be from Colombo or live there?

"Colombian" is a mentality, which you have displayed plenty off.

And who said such things were not being developed/improved in Hambantota (schools, markets etc).
So if Trinco and Jaffna need some "improvements" why can't Hambantota?
I am sure if a cricket stadium and airport were being built in other "somalias" of the country you would not be complaining as much.

Well I think the Hambantota Airport is good and will help boost tourism in the area. Itll also be an alternative airport which will help save airlines money by not having to divert flights to India when there is a storm at BIA. I think that Colombo airport will be upgraded further in due course, however this could include closure of the runway (to expand it etc), which means another airport will be needed in SL.

Besides that it will form a major plank of any 2018 Commonwealth Games bid for Hambantota. Already Gold Coast would more than likely get the games (even with all of the development going on) so without development Hambantota would not even stand a chance.

Ok.. let me tell you guys what I think the president should do, before building the airport the first thing to do should be build roads yes just build some dam roads, plan a proper town or city centre with different zones if you build the roads all you need in water, electricity, superfast broadband links and telephony and we should all be alright!! we can then build airports.. stadiums everything else once the investment starts flowing from foreigh countries I mean look at dubai if that hot hell of a desert can drag $ billions of invesment why cant we!!

We dont really want hambantota to have a few massive looking government buildings if no one is really going to come to the place and invest! and no one is going to invest if there isnt proper infrastructure!!

Im not from Colombo, eventhough i lived there. My hometown is Sooriyawewa, Hambantota, so don`t talk like u know. And what Mr. Rajapakse is trying to do is that he is trying to bring Las Vegas to Somalia, its not gonna work, first they need proper schools in those areas, each schools are like kilometers away. First we need to build schools, Colleges, Markets, Houses/apartments, proper water supply/Sanitation parks and etc. We cant just build an Airport and couple of 3-4 Stars hotel and a cricket stadium nowhere and expect people to come, this is not developing and i msure that im not the only thats thinking about this. places like Trinco or Jaffna are already in gud competion, they just need some improvements. Trinco already has tourism arrival after the war so it makes sense to build airport there and beside they already have runway that are pretty long.

Well said Tig.
Praetorian seems to having an inferiority complex. I think we should focus on real issues rather than discussing politics here.

I thin ktig has a point too. THe govt. need to invest in projects that brings back money, provides employment or mass scale opportunities for the locals. For example, SEZs, industrial park, university, port etc. Stadiums and administrative complexes are not going to retun money. Airport to someextend is a necessity.

But I strongly advice everyone not to get personal or make highly charged statements. I simply cant allow heated debate that ruins this section .Thanks.

Agree with Fusi, I am also of the view that the entire forum is becoming too hostile and politicised...one of the basic elements and rules of this forum is not too involve politics in discussions and to value each other's opinions, in order to engage in productive discussions...on the Hambanthota airport issue, I would say the investment is too large and too early...I am also from Colombo, but I am by no means saying other areas should be neglected...I am also a bit offended by Praetorian's comment about "European savages"...what is your problem with Europeans and the West, as well as your Colombians...you just stereotype...I am half-Swiss for that matter, but I do not feel superior or prejudice you, so why do you have to do so via your harsh comments...let's talk about the colonial history then...yes, I definitely agree that there was exploitation and a divided society with huge inequality prevailed, but there was considerable improvement in infrastructure, a systematic government and other things that were not there before the arrival of the colonisers...when we talk about Colonialism, a lot of people talk about how the Europeans misused people, that in itself is a very biased and untrue statements, because only a handful of European countries were engaged in Colonialism, but still people like you who maybe lack proper history education label all Europeans in this negative way...when it comes to Hambanthota, I think the others are right, when they say proper infrastructure, roads, an expressway link and other basic aspects of town building have to be completed before huge, costly projects like the airport, the cricket stadium and all these government complexes...I also think your views on the North and East are very harsh and offensive...were you there for 26 years and did you suffer? Were you displaced and perhaps eventually ended up in an IDP Camp? Were you in grave risk of death, serious injury, torture or oppression? This smells of majority populist views...why can't you see yourself as Sri Lankan in the first place and not Sinhalese? That mindset will ensure that the country never really develops...look at Singapore, Switzerland and a handful of other countries with equally or even more ethnically diverse populations...they have thrived mainly due to the unity and co-operation in the country...if this attitude does not change and if this stereotypical mindset prevails, I see a dark future...lets leave politics aside and discuss the facts...$200 MILLION is a vast sum of money, which could have been used for various projects in all underdeveloped areas of SL, including: Hambanthota, Trinco, Jaffna and other ailing areas...think of the number of houses that could be built, the number of schools, the number of hospitals etc. that is what is logical, not building an airport that may receive a couple of flights a day...the point about it being good for emergencies is another joke, because landing in Trivandrum is certainly cheaper than spending so much money! The hotel and tourism trade is also in its infancy in the area and the Southern Expressway also seems to be somewhat delayed, without which the airport couldn't even connect to tourist hubs like: Galle, Hikkaduwa, Benthota etc.

^^
Yeh I think that this forum is being too highly politicised with references to political parties and all (Im guilty of this too lol). I can understand refering to a minister who is discussing a projects status or has opened a project, but I think we should keep references to political parties and their senior members to a minimum otherwise. I think that all views should be tolerated, irrespective of whether one agrees with them or not (and how idiotic they sometimes sound!). Personal insults (eg. calling someone a member of a certain party or calling them trolls and idiots) should be stopped. Maybe we can all agree to remove and not make anymore infringing off-topic posts in the future in order to maintain peace amongst us and other forums of the SSC?

Anyway moving on...

the point about it being good for emergencies is another joke, because landing in Trivandrum is certainly cheaper than spending so much money!

I only made this point as I was under the impression that a 2nd alternative airport is needed in every country under ICAO regulations. Please correct me if Im wrong (which I probably am lol). I do however stand by my comment where I said that such an airport is needed if Colombo closes its runway for a period of time (eg if they upgrade the airport to be A380 compliant, by relaying the runway surface etc). That saying I do think basic infrastructure eg. hospitals and roads are needed in Hambantota before an airport. Imagine if there is an emergency landing there and there isnt any decent roads and hospitals nearby?

Our country has never being good at infrastructure, I mean simply we can never build proper roads I wonder what the civil engineers passing out from Moratuwa and Peradeniya do? as they produce some of the best.. these people are either slacking in the public sector sipping on the tea cup that comes around every 4 hours or are probably immigraing to some other country and working for a good salary..

If we are able to plan just one proper town with a good road network I bet we will have plenty of investment flowing in.

And you dont see any of the municiple councils enforcing the law properly if they did we wont see so many unauthorized structure all over the place and the cities in such a mess!!

Our country has never being good at infrastructure, I mean simply we can never build proper roads I wonder what the civil engineers passing out from Moratuwa and Peradeniya do? as they produce some of the best.. these people are either slacking in the public sector sipping on the tea cup that comes around every 4 hours or are probably immigraing to some other country and working for a good salary..

If we are able to plan just one proper town with a good road network I bet we will have plenty of investment flowing in.

And you dont see any of the municiple councils enforcing the law properly if they did we wont see so many unauthorized structure all over the place and the cities in such a mess!!

LOl uhave a point, all the gud engineers,doctors architects are going to foreign countries or already gone, we only have some of them.

Our country has never being good at infrastructure, I mean simply we can never build proper roads I wonder what the civil engineers passing out from Moratuwa and Peradeniya do? as they produce some of the best.. these people are either slacking in the public sector sipping on the tea cup that comes around every 4 hours or are probably immigraing to some other country and working for a good salary..

If we are able to plan just one proper town with a good road network I bet we will have plenty of investment flowing in.

And you dont see any of the municiple councils enforcing the law properly if they did we wont see so many unauthorized structure all over the place and the cities in such a mess!!

thats true, sri lanka produces some of the most terriable engineers in south asia.

You know india produces the best engineers in world.? and our universites are ranked as being one the global best.
and most 1/3 of NASA workers are of indian origin. Maybe sri lankans should come to india instead of going to western countries. since our universites rank among the best.

thats true, sri lanka produces some of the most terriable engineers in south asia.

You know india produces the best engineers in world.? and our universites are ranked as being one the global best.
and most 1/3 of NASA workers are of indian origin. Maybe sri lankans should come to india instead of going to western countries. since our universites rank among the best.

Hi Dollar_man, I can't believe that you said that with a straight face :D

thats true, sri lanka produces some of the most terriable engineers in south asia.

You know india produces the best engineers in world.? and our universites are ranked as being one the global best.
and most 1/3 of NASA workers are of indian origin. Maybe sri lankans should come to india instead of going to western countries. since our universites rank among the best.

Hahaha you should have had your username as Funny_Man or something!! Are you Indian btw ?

Well said Tig.
Praetorian seems to having an inferiority complex. I think we should focus on real issues rather than discussing politics here.

Of course...

Typical Colombian mentality.

And since some of you are struggling to figure out what that is
please go here:

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090127_03

Of course...

Typical Colombian mentality.

And since some of you are struggling to figure out what that is
please go here:

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090127_03

I think most people know what a 'Colombian' is. However just because one has a different argument to yourself doesnt mean that one should be branded as a 'Colombian'. I think that personal insults should be a last resort, even though some people's arguments may sound really stupid at times lol.

Ok calm down guys, lest not fight each other, some people are like that. anyone have any new info about teh airport ?

Ok calm down guys, lest not fight each other, some people are like that. anyone have any new info about teh airport ?

Check out the Airports & Aviation video posts.... I assume you've checked it out since you've just replied on there.

http://news.lk/images/stories/gallery2011/k-p/mathraranway11-07/DSC_0469.jpg
http://news.lk/images/stories/gallery2011/k-p/mathraranway11-07/DSC_0475.jpg
http://news.lk/images/stories/gallery2011/k-p/mathraranway11-07/DSC_0478.jpg
http://news.lk/images/stories/gallery2011/k-p/mathraranway11-07/DSC_0497.jpg

News.lk (http://news.lk/home/18387-mattala-main-runway-completed)

http://www.ft.lk/wp-content/uploads/file/Untitled-1(309).jpg

http://airport.lk/images/news_img/20110907/5.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/20110907/6.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/20110907/7.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/20110907/8.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/20110907/9.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/20110907/10.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/20110907/11.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/20110907/12.jpg

Hampantota is gearing up for a big show in 2012.

Well what to expect from Tig? He is a moronic UNP supporter who can't see beyond what his thick green glasses show him.

They have egos the size of Texas as evident from the party leadership consistently throwing out moronic excuses for its failure in elections rather than the obvious problem being its stupid policies and attitudes during the war as well as the belief the nations masses are stupid and can be tricked and conned -that has not worked.

He cries for India's well being too.

Good joke considering it was India that wrecked the UNP sine 77-91 making SL burn.

And finally whats wrong with developing the south? Why must the south and the masses the south who have given so much for the country in terms of lives to protect its unity for 2,000 years be left in poverty? While the North and East is "developed" ahead of them?

The sheer hatred of the Colombians (UNP power base) for the ordinary Sinhalese masses can be seen by the sheer neglect to the South and Centre and other Sinhala areas of the country during the last 60 years. After being already brutally ravaged for 450 years by European savages for the very reason the people of the south held the nation together coupled with destruction they did to agro-subsistence economy that threw the masses into poverty so called “independence” the situation did not change then again this is unsurprising as the Colombians loyally continued the policies of the masters who created them as they know only servitude, servitude which we witness to this day. Colombians like Tig only know how to worship those who crush them (West, India) while spitting on those who defend them/help them e.g. Sinhalese of the South and China.

The North was highly developed, equal to Colombo, it was the arrogance of Tamils followed by their incompetence that led to it becoming worse than the Congo, where ironically the only thing keeping the North and East alive were hand outs, services and other freebies from Sinhalese, the very same Sinhalese they were waging war with and the likes of Amithalingam or Chelvankayam would poor hate on.

The people of the south deserve some upliftment for once. Rajapakse may not be perfect but he is the best choice, at least he is doing his promises.

Not just the N-E, entire SL is sustained on freebies from the donor agencies. SL economy has been propped up for over 30 years with international aid. So don't isolate the N-E alone for the freebies.
Having said that there are more pressing needs the nation needs more than a second airport. This is going to just another white elephant like the Hambantota port

Not just the N-E, entire SL is sustained on freebies from the donor agencies. SL economy has been propped up for over 30 years with international aid. So don't isolate the N-E alone for the freebies.
Having said that there are more pressing needs the nation needs more than a second airport. This is going to just another white elephant like the Hambantota port


What Sri Lanka gets in "aid" from donars are not free as the country has to pay it back in some form. With the North and East not contributing anything to Sri Lanka's economy for 30 years (not even tax) and only giving back death and destruction, it still continued to receive aid, money and services from the State that has to be paid for from somewhere and that somewhere is the economy of the rest of the country.

90% of the food provided to the North and East came from within Sri Lanka from our farms and they got it for FREE.

Healthcare and education were all provided for FREE. These services are sustained through the tax payer (not "aid" and most defiantly no thanks to the "humanitarian NGOs" who spent 80-90% of their budgets on "over head & administrative costs" so we all know what they were up to). It was the tax payers outside the North and East who had to cough up for the North and East.

Water and especially electricity services, as well as fuel supplies were ALL also provided for FREE. Once again by the State. Who had to cough up for that? That would once more be the Tax payer in the rest of the country outside the North and East. While the people in the rest of the country pay for these two services based on their own usage limits, the North and East and an unlimited supply as they did not pay a dime for it. The CEB and CWB were just pumping it in to meet their whims and fancies with people outside the North and East paying for it.

So they indeed had FREEBIES paid for by the rest of the country (so called “aid” has to be paid back in some form and it was everyone but the North and East who did that).

As for Hamabantota port since when did it become a “white elephant”? There is immense economic viability and sustainability for this project hence why it was under taken and can (and will) out beat Singapore (which is why Singapore is so pissy with SL these days and previous decades offered immense bribes to prevent construction). Do you want Sri Lanka to always be in the shadow of someone else?

You just want it to fail (and spread false information to assist in trying to bring about this outcome) because you are blind sided by your short sighted political tunnel vision. Same attitude was their during the war where people did not care if the country dis-integrated tomorrow if it meant they could fulfil their short sighted political aspirations today –amply aided by their blinded supporters who can only see things from their tunnel.

Oh and whats wrong with the country having another international airport? It is a pressing need.

As for Hamabantota port since when did it become a “white elephant”? There is immense economic viability and sustainability for this project hence why it was under taken and can (and will) out beat Singapore (which is why Singapore is so pissy with SL these days and previous decades offered immense bribes to prevent construction). Do you want Sri Lanka to always be in the shadow of someone else?

You just want it to fail (and spread false information to assist in trying to bring about this outcome) because you are blind sided by your short sighted political tunnel vision. Same attitude was their during the war where people did not care if the country dis-integrated tomorrow if it meant they could fulfil their short sighted political aspirations today –amply aided by their blinded supporters who can only see things from their tunnel.

Oh and whats wrong with the country having another international airport? It is a pressing need.

:) mostly agree with u man..the breaking of the rock is underway these days..it can break out but take little more time..but it can be done...hambanthota port is never will be a white elephant....what ever the political drama makers shout...hambantota project is brilliant one and should be done for long term:cheers:

I think there is tremendous synergy between the seaport and the airport in Hambantota. Supply chain efficiencies achieved by having unhindered connectivity and proximity is key for large scale cargo movements and that is exactly what is being offered here.

The other two examples where the same strategy is employed are Jebel Ali port / DWC (Dubai World Central airport) and the seaport and airport combination in Singapore.

Emerging trend for such logistical centers are to double up as value addition centers by carrying out tasks such as white labeling of products, packing and re-packing as well as storage. Hambantota has enough landmass to support and expand such activity.

In my opinion this is a brilliant strategy and an astute move by the government. I cannot comment on whether Hambantota is the best place for this, or was it awarded to Hambantota because that is where the president comes from, because I do not know. But a cursory look at the geographical features of the area (mostly flat land) supports the theory that the place is suitable for the endeavor. Where there was a better suited place for the venture is really irrelevant now.

I think there is tremendous synergy between the seaport and the airport in Hambantota. Supply chain efficiencies achieved by having unhindered connectivity and proximity is key for large scale cargo movements and that is exactly what is being offered here.

The other two examples where the same strategy is employed are Jebel Ali port / DWC (Dubai World Central airport) and the seaport and airport combination in Singapore.

Emerging trend for such logistical centers are to double up as value addition centers by carrying out tasks such as white labeling of products, packing and re-packing as well as storage. Hambantota has enough landmass to support and expand such activity.

In my opinion this is a brilliant strategy and an astute move by the government. I cannot comment on whether Hambantota is the best place for this, or was it awarded to Hambantota because that is where the president comes from, because I do not know. But a cursory look at the geographical features of the area (mostly flat land) supports the theory that the place is suitable for the endeavor. Where there was a better suited place for the venture is really irrelevant now.

Could not agree with you more,, lately UNP and JVP has been making allegation in regards to these projects and I think without credible evidence it affects investor confidence.

:) mostly agree with u man..the breaking of the rock is underway these days..it can break out but take little more time..but it can be done...hambanthota port is never will be a white elephant....what ever the political drama makers shout...hambantota project is brilliant one and should be done for long term:cheers:

If the Kra Canal is built in Thailand (a project which has also been "in the planning" for 50 years) then it will mean ships will no longer have to navigate the treacherous Malacca Straits and then can all kiss goodbye to Singapore's economic viability. Hambantota will be top dog taking Singapore's crown for good. Hamba will be slap bang the international "mid way" point which equals world's transhipment capital.

To bad the corrupt Thai's are continuously bribed by Singapore not to build the canal (bit like our fools who also did the same to prevent construction of Hamba 20 years ago).

But China is pushing it as they are concerned about their transhipment and fuel access which can be "cut off" when the Singapore route is taken. Their economy is under "threat" due to this route –and China plans decades ahead, she also never forgets (lol).

In the late 60s had short sighted fools in this country not done protests and “hartals” at Colombo port, Singapore would never have grown. Singapore marketed itself as place better than Colombo and promised all the big business "we got no protests or problems here like in Ceylon" (and knowing what that pseudo-dictatorship is like they meant it quite literally).

The stupidity never seems to end even to this day. Going around spreading lies and false information to decrease investment to collapse the economy driven up cheap political calculations (that won’t work) is shameful. STOP. THINK. STEP AWAY FROM THE TUNNEL. Do not blind yourselves by running in.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2012/01/15/z_p-06-Mattala-03.jpg
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2012/01/15/z_p-06-Mattala-05.jpg
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2012/01/15/z_p-06-Mattala-04.jpg

Rest of the story
Sunday Observer (http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2012/01/15/fea04.asp)

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/426422_10150541655313208_2081639981_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/426146_10150541656793208_218713136_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/426834_10150541655003208_684263207_8918842_106983041_n.jpg
control tower

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/395479_10150541657323208_684263207_8918863_2003334847_n.jpg

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120226/images/MAIN-PIX.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/2rqhwmt.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/2vwcohz.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/viiqkj.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/2uzcraf.jpg

Hmz so no taxi way running parallel to the runaway as at KIA.

Those L shaped things at the end of (both ends) of the runway mean aircraft after completing the landing have to turn around at the end and then trundle back up the runaway towards the taxiway at the centre. And the same thing for taking off.

You have this at the Maldives and some of the Caribbean island airports. Makes sense for them due to the reduced land availability.

I’m sure a few more bucks from China and there can be a good taxi way running parallel (or at least for one half from the “split point” at the middle). Hopefully they have planned such for the future when traffic volumes increase.

http://hia.lk/images/news/con3.jpg
http://hia.lk/images/news/con2.jpg
Runway
http://hia.lk/images/news/con4.jpg
http://hia.lk/images/news/con5.jpg
Main Terminal
http://hia.lk/images/news/con6.jpg
Car Park

The HIA pictures and construction site itself is rather sleepy. It clearly reflects as a non visionary project such as the Magampura Harbour. We need the surrounding areas be developed concurrently to create an awareness and a seriousness. Looking at these pictures do not give me an interest or a thirst to garner more investment to these areas.

The HIA pictures and construction site itself is rather sleepy. It clearly reflects as a non visionary project such as the Magampura Harbour. We need the surrounding areas be developed concurrently to create an awareness and a seriousness. Looking at these pictures do not give me an interest or a thirst to garner more investment to these areas.

This project is a major fail.

praetorian,
it is the Sinhala south ( not the north/east) that is living on freebies and hand outs from the whole world for the past 30 over years to save your so called 2000 years culture.
Big buildings are not the sign of development and neither will these structures ever contribute to the economy

praetorian,
it is the Sinhala south ( not the north/east) that is living on freebies and hand outs from the whole world for the past 30 over years to save your so called 2000 years culture.
Big buildings are not the sign of development and neither will these structures ever contribute to the economy


ROFL.

My post (from ages ago lol) speaks for itself right to this moment, the North and East contributes NOTHING to Sri Lanka's economy. All the industry (no matter how small or weak it is) that earns the country whatever pittance imaginable is from everywhere BUT the North and East. Yes there are loans and so called aid, these are not freebies, they have to be paid back and the puny industries of the "sinhala south" (lest we forget that Sinhalese are denied freedom of movement in their own country and confined to restricted areas) is what generates the income to do so.

What has the North and East given Sri Lanka other than endless destruction? Whatever construction, projects and development work that has been done in the North and East are also sustained from loans/aid which has to be paid back, again from the earnings of the “Sinhala south”.
Does that not make the proud Tamils of the North and East with their 40,000 years of history freeloaders too? Hikz

Don’t forget as ZERO income goes to the state from the North and East (as has been the case since 1977) services such as health care, education, water, electricity and food are all provided for FREE to the inhabitants of the North and East. These services need to be paid for and that bill is footed by the people of the “Sinhala south”, the same people of the Sinhala south who were being hacked to pieces and blown to bits not to so long ago by the very same “innocent civilians” of the North and East. So yes the people of the north and east are free loaders living off freebies.

It is a bitter truth indeed, one free loaders blinded by their racist superiority complex mixed with a bogus victim mentality always fail to note.

May i say that no project will work over night and surely this will few years to fully takeoff,, also H'tota port has got few vessels calling now meaning that it has someone found it feet.

the problem is not with the Universities or the Enigineers produced in Sri Lanka but with the politicians.
SL Engineers are doing extremely well overseas in many developed countries but cannot do so in their own backyard which is filled up with dirty politics

praetorian,
the 'Sinhala south" that you claim is repaying also consists of Tamils who are earning for the Sinhala only country. If there are no industries in the north/east that is because the Sinhala only GOSL never considered the north/east as part of the country and never directed any development to that part, hence the uprisings, the same was the reason for the failed southern uprisings.
In your original artcile you have stated that the north was as developed as Colombo, how then, where you contradict your self, exposing your racist Sinhal Buddhist menatality that the Tamils were incompetent.
This laziness among the Sinhala can still be seen in the freebees that the countries governing bodies still continue to expect for tehior survival. Remember Sl is not a country that is self sustaining, it is propped up by aid giving countries tax payers money.
Shame on you that this country has not learnt to satnd on its won feet even after 60 years of independence and racist like you conveniently balme the Tamils for you laziness and incompetence

Could you guys keep your political commentary out of these forums if possible?

praetorian,
the 'Sinhala south" that you claim is repaying also consists of Tamils who are earning for the Sinhala only country. If there are no industries in the north/east that is because the Sinhala only GOSL never considered the north/east as part of the country and never directed any development to that part, hence the uprisings, the same was the reason for the failed southern uprisings.
In your original artcile you have stated that the north was as developed as Colombo, how then, where you contradict your self, exposing your racist Sinhal Buddhist menatality that the Tamils were incompetent.
This laziness among the Sinhala can still be seen in the freebees that the countries governing bodies still continue to expect for tehior survival. Remember Sl is not a country that is self sustaining, it is propped up by aid giving countries tax payers money.
Shame on you that this country has not learnt to satnd on its won feet even after 60 years of independence and racist like you conveniently balme the Tamils for you laziness and incompetence

I was born to a Sinhalese family but who really gives a S**t end of the day I am sri lankan,, I agree with the aid-bowl and exporting labor to Arab world,, what a shame,,, Ideological extremist and lack of interdependent public commissions in SL led to this crisis but noting else

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/529833_314695955266118_1811545221_n.jpg
http://www.facebook.com/photo.phpfbid=334425083293205&set=a.302321176503596.66998.282322558503458&type=3&theater

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/529833_314695955266118_1811545221_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/556101_334425083293205_863481496_n.jpg

Sri Lanka’s second international airport at Mattala in Hambantota is likely to delay its opening until a new date is fixed, an official said.
“We might push it to this year or next year in December or January (2013),” Airport and Aviation Services Ltd (AASL)? Chairman Prasanna Wickramasooriya told the Business Times on Wednesday.

Authorities had previously indicated that the opening of the new airport was scheduled for November this year.
While construction of stage one is expected to conclude by the end of this year, he said no opening date was finalized yet.
On the other hand the contract for the construction work on the first stage of the project is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2013, he said.

In this respect, Mr. Wickramasooriya observed that the airport would be ready by January, and trials would also be carried out.
“The President wants us to complete the work properly,” and so they are not in a hurry, the AASL Chairman pointed out.
Responding to queries of international airlines flying into Mattala, the airport’s chief said three airlines have agreed to fly into the new airport upon its opening apart – national carrier SriLankan Airlines and budget carrier Mihin Lanka. But he declinedto give out any names at this stage. However recent reports said budget carrier Flydubai has also agreed to use the airport.

He said Emirates Airlines had also expressed interest as “they have identified the potential there.” This came following their recent meeting at the opening of the new Emirates lounge at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Ground handling, landing and parking fees would initially be provided via an attractive package for a period of six months, he said.
Authorities increased the workforce at the Mattala airport project last year in a bid to speed up work from 1200 to 1500 with most picked from the locality. Installations of escalators and lifts have already been carried out at the new airport that would be subjected to tests, Airport and Aviation Services Senior Civil Engineer Mr. Lalith Warusavitharana told the Business Times.

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120624/business-times/delay-in-mattala-airport-opening-3859.html

The above pix from AASL is for real or just artisitic impression. We need solid project details with visual.

The above pix from AASL is for real or just artisitic impression. We need solid project details with visual.

They were taken from the HIA site

Thanks Sara..it really looks hope it would be same when its done.

http://swe.fclhosting.com/sites/default/files/styles/inside_page_image/public/Mattala-3s.jpg


http://swe.fclhosting.com/sites/default/files/styles/inside_page_image/public/Mattala-5s.jpg


http://swe.fclhosting.com/sites/default/files/styles/inside_page_image/public/Mattala-4s.jpg

http://swe.fclhosting.com/node/23

http://swe.fclhosting.com/sites/default/files/styles/inside_page_image/public/Mattala-3s.jpg


http://swe.fclhosting.com/sites/default/files/styles/inside_page_image/public/Mattala-5s.jpg


http://swe.fclhosting.com/sites/default/files/styles/inside_page_image/public/Mattala-4s.jpg

http://swe.fclhosting.com/node/23

Looks cool, i think they have started work already!

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/148930_329790700423310_1385502630_n.jpg
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Hambantota Airport videos. Looks very good, i like the design, its unique.

However i highly doubt it will be finished by November this year.

x7d83DY7v6g&feature=relmfu

06GiJu_f7bE&feature=relmfu

cOxokv13bK8&feature=plcp

The hotel structure is more modern than the Airport itself. Hope it materialises to be a great get-a-way. We need more similar structures elsewhere.

Very good video on what the completed airport will be like...

X55ybMxkHXs&NR

ROFL.

My post (from ages ago lol) speaks for itself right to this moment, the North and East contributes NOTHING to Sri Lanka's economy. All the industry (no matter how small or weak it is) that earns the country whatever pittance imaginable is from everywhere BUT the North and East. Yes there are loans and so called aid, these are not freebies, they have to be paid back and the puny industries of the "sinhala south" (lest we forget that Sinhalese are denied freedom of movement in their own country and confined to restricted areas) is what generates the income to do so.

What has the North and East given Sri Lanka other than endless destruction? Whatever construction, projects and development work that has been done in the North and East are also sustained from loans/aid which has to be paid back, again from the earnings of the “Sinhala south”.
Does that not make the proud Tamils of the North and East with their 40,000 years of history freeloaders too? Hikz

Don’t forget as ZERO income goes to the state from the North and East (as has been the case since 1977) services such as health care, education, water, electricity and food are all provided for FREE to the inhabitants of the North and East. These services need to be paid for and that bill is footed by the people of the “Sinhala south”, the same people of the Sinhala south who were being hacked to pieces and blown to bits not to so long ago by the very same “innocent civilians” of the North and East. So yes the people of the north and east are free loaders living off freebies.

It is a bitter truth indeed, one free loaders blinded by their racist superiority complex mixed with a bogus victim mentality always fail to note.
Okay, i'm not from the North or the South,and before you jump to conclusions, I'm not a Tamil, I'm a Sinhala Buddhist from the Western province, but I feel that this yours is just a ridiculous statement so here are the facts.

GDP shares 2011:
Western-45.1%
Central-10.0%
Southern-10.7%
Northern-3.4%
Eastern-5.9%
North Western-9.4%
North Central-4.8%
Uva-4.5%
Sabaragamuwa-6.3%

As you can see, the Western province accounts for the majority-which also means that it accounts for the majority of "footing the bill" as you put it, which means your "sheer hatred of Colombians for so and so" is a pile of BS, but thats not really relevant here-, while the Central, Southern and North Western are about the same-The NW is only slightly less, which is pretty good considering it was a war zone just a couple of years ago. Meanwhile, Uva is also only about 1% more than the Northern. So it's hardly "nothing" that the North contributes to the economy.


praetorian,
it is the Sinhala south ( not the north/east) that is living on freebies and hand outs from the whole world for the past 30 over years to save your so called 2000 years culture.
Big buildings are not the sign of development and neither will these structures ever contribute to the economy
You're also being ridiculous.

Okay, i'm not from the North or the South,and before you jump to conclusions, I'm not a Tamil, I'm a Sinhala Buddhist from the Western province, but I feel that this yours is just a ridiculous statement so here are the facts.

GDP shares 2011:
Western-45.1%
Central-10.0%
Southern-10.7%
Northern-3.4%
Eastern-5.9%
North Western-9.4%
North Central-4.8%
Uva-4.5%
Sabaragamuwa-6.3%

As you can see, the Western province accounts for the majority-which also means that it accounts for the majority of "footing the bill" as you put it, which means your "sheer hatred of Colombians for so and so" is a pile of BS, but thats not really relevant here-, while the Central, Southern and North Western are about the same-The NW is only slightly less, which is pretty good considering it was a war zone just a couple of years ago. Meanwhile, Uva is also only about 1% more than the Northern. So it's hardly "nothing" that the North contributes to the economy.






So whats your point?

My argument to Tallbuilder was mainly to counter his racism and the "tamil victim" mentality, which is entirely bogus. It's also to counter the excessive whining made by many against all the "investment" in the South. The whining is not based any factual basis or economic value/economic potential but herd mentality, arrogance and political tunnel vision. Opposing for the sake of opposing, hoping for failure just because it's not "their party" in power.

Furthermore it was to counter the bizarre notion that for some reason the North and East is deemed "more deserving" than the rest of the country for investment and development. Why exactly? Because they slaughtered so many? Because they gave the rest of the nation death and destruction?

FYI right up the 1980s the North alone contributed to 10% of SLs GDP, Jaffna district gave 50% of that. But some people got too big headed and let their chauvinism and hatred blind them into thinking "we have schools, hospitals, infrastructure and good economy so why not a separate state?". They ended up with nothing and copious amounts of suffering, which not to be harsh, they asked for and duly received.

P.S. I do not like MR much anymore and am sick of the thuogcracy –just had enough of their vile behaviour and arrogance- but that does not mean i do not look at the bigger picture and go around opposing for the sake of opposing and hope for failure and enjoy it when SL is insulted from abroad.

Hambantota airport and port have massive potential if done properly. Sadly many people in SL cannot see it, because they do not want to. This short sightedness and selfish attitude where settling petty scores and jealousies is more important than getting the nation forward has resulted in Sri Lanka failing to develop and advance as a nation. People do not think in the long term. This is why so many preferred to see war last another 2 decades just because they dislike MR –“punishing” him was more important than the future of the nation.

-Double post, sorry-

HIA ready for ‘takeoff’
Shirajiv Sirimane in Mattala
Sri Lanka’s second international airport, Hambantota International Airport, (HIA) is now ready for flights and it could accommodate the world’s biggest A380 aircraft. The communication tower which is a world’s first, constructed depicting a lotus is now ready with all the required communication equipment been installed. In addition the runway and the taxi way too has been completed ahead of schedule.

“Basically if there is an emergency in Colombo or for any other reason we have made provision for an aircraft to land in HIA,” said M Vithanage Project Engineer at HIA.


Development of the Hambantota International Airport. Pictures by Shirajiv Sirimane
He said that the first test flight had successfully landed and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is now running other tests before finally issuing the ‘all go’ certificate.

Work on the planned passenger terminal with separate facility for domestic and a picturesque outdoor garden (Meda Midula) is 90 % complete while the cargo area too is 92 % complete. The fire and rescue section is completed along with back up power supplies and other essential infrastructure.

The authorities are now speeding up the access roads which also include a inter change.

Chairman Airport Aviation Services, Prassana Wickramasura said that several airlines have conformed their willingness to operate to HIA while both SriLankan and Mihin have also announced that they would operate flights via HIA. flydubai have announced an additional frequency to HIA while Qatar Airways, Emirates along with several other international airlines expressing interest to fly to HIA. “Charter flights too would use HIA frequently,” he said.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/12/03/z_pi-ready.jpg

One of the leading airlines in Europe has also pledged to open a MRO centre which would bring additional revenue to the project.

“Our target is to complete the project by 2013 March and we are on our way to complete it,” he said.

The airport in its first stage estimated to cost US $ 209 million with a loan from Exim Bank of China would cater to one million passengers and 45, 000 Mt of cargo and under the second stage it would cater to six million passengers and 150,000 Mt. of cargo.

He also emphasized that brand new equipment had been installed at the HIA and no equipment was removed from BIA. He also stressed that they have no idea to temporally close Colombo airport.

“Sri Lanka is aiming at 2.5 million arrivals by 2016 and I am sure with the opening of HIA we could attract a further one million tourists,” he said.

He also said that modern features in security and many other areas would be put to use at HIA giving passengers more convenience. “Initially we will have two aero- bridges and this would be extended to 12 under the second phase,” he said.

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Looks like there is still a bit left to complete from the pictures. It's good to know that there is another airport available for emergencies though.

Its about 90% finished.

HIA ready for ‘takeoff’
Shirajiv Sirimane in Mattala
Sri Lanka’s second international airport, Hambantota International Airport, (HIA) is now ready for flights and it could accommodate the world’s biggest A380 aircraft. The communication tower which is a world’s first, constructed depicting a lotus is now ready with all the required communication equipment been installed. In addition the runway and the taxi way too has been completed ahead of schedule.

“Basically if there is an emergency in Colombo or for any other reason we have made provision for an aircraft to land in HIA,” said M Vithanage Project Engineer at HIA.

Development of the Hambantota International Airport. Pictures by Shirajiv Sirimane
He said that the first test flight had successfully landed and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is now running other tests before finally issuing the ‘all go’ certificate.

Work on the planned passenger terminal with separate facility for domestic and a picturesque outdoor garden (Meda Midula) is 90 % complete while the cargo area too is 92 % complete. The fire and rescue section is completed along with back up power supplies and other essential infrastructure.

The authorities are now speeding up the access roads which also include a inter change.

Chairman Airport Aviation Services, Prassana Wickramasura said that several airlines have conformed their willingness to operate to HIA while both SriLankan and Mihin have also announced that they would operate flights via HIA. flydubai have announced an additional frequency to HIA while Qatar Airways, Emirates along with several other international airlines expressing interest to fly to HIA. “Charter flights too would use HIA frequently,” he said.

One of the leading airlines in Europe has also pledged to open a MRO centre which would bring additional revenue to the project.

“Our target is to complete the project by 2013 March and we are on our way to complete it,” he said.

The airport in its first stage estimated to cost US $ 209 million with a loan from Exim Bank of China would cater to one million passengers and 45, 000 Mt of cargo and under the second stage it would cater to six million passengers and 150,000 Mt. of cargo.

He also emphasized that brand new equipment had been installed at the HIA and no equipment was removed from BIA. He also stressed that they have no idea to temporally close Colombo airport.

“Sri Lanka is aiming at 2.5 million arrivals by 2016 and I am sure with the opening of HIA we could attract a further one million tourists,” he said.

He also said that modern features in security and many other areas would be put to use at HIA giving passengers more convenience. “Initially we will have two aero- bridges and this would be extended to 12 under the second phase,” he said.

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Is it better and advanced than BIA.

Sri Lanka’s second International Airport in Hambantota (HIA) is to be opened next March, opening a new chapter in Sri Lanka's aviation history.

International trade, tourism, vocational training and employment would be boosted with the opening of the new airport and most importantly, it would increase connectivity between Sri Lanka and foreign countries. Chairman, Airport Aviation, Prasanna Wickramasuriya, said that the new airport was expected to be a boon to the local aviation industry, while being a catalyst to the country’s economic development.

“There were many airlines making inquires to add new routes and increase frequencies. However, due to ‘congestion’ in Colombo's International Airport, such requests were on hold and the new airport at HIA would enable them to fly to Sri Lanka,” he said.


The control tower in the shape of a lotus being constructed
The new airport would also cater to cargo which would help the fisheries and the agriculture sector in several provinces by opening up new opportunities to the private sector.

One of the other key advantages of HIA is the close proximity of the Hambantota harbour and the new investment zone being built. The progress of the airport is well ahead of schedule and the AASL is also taking great pains to market the airport both, local and global.

The fire and rescue area with modern fire brigades was one of the first sectors to be completed and followed by the control tower, runway, apron, waste water plant, cargo terminal and other key infrastructure falling in to place. The investment for the project is US $ 210 million with an initial construction covering an extent of 800 hectares.

The Runway would be 3,500 metres in length with a width of 75 metres. Taxiways would be 60 metres long.

The taxiway would be from the centre line of the runway to the edge of the apron and the Apron would consist of 10 parking slots, initially with the total being 80.
http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/12/11/z_pxvi-SLs3.jpg
The control tower in the shape of a lotus being constructed

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/12/11/z_pxvi-SLs2.jpg
Some of the ongoing development

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/12/11/z_pxvi-SLs4.jpg
Construction of the overhead bridge

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/12/11/z_pxvi-SLs5.jpg
The access road

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/12/11/z_pxvi-SLs6.jpg
The Cargo terminal

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/12/11/z_pxvi-SLs7.jpg
Inside the terminal

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/12/11/z_pxvi-SLs8.jpg

Source (http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/12/11/bus28.asp)

Oh, is it only 1 runway, then?

Oh, is it only 1 runway, then?

Yep! Its just a secondary airport so one runway would suffice for now. However CMB may need a 2nd runway eventually.

Yep! Its just a secondary airport so one runway would suffice for now. However CMB may need a 2nd runway eventually.

A second runway at Katunayake is a crying need.

I remember they tried to do the second runway at Katunayake some years back but had to abandon it because of protests by neighboring residents
(instigated by some politicians.)

Maybe this Govt will be more sucessful

Oh, is it only 1 runway, then?

Thats too much for HIA :lol:.

Thats too much for HIA :lol:.

hahahaha-no, not funny.

I agree with Kukumarx, we need a second runway at BIA.

Unlike BIA, this should be having more room for expansion(more runways).

Though the HIA will be an added advantage to the Sri Lanka’s aviation, BIA needs two runaways and a major improvement. I hope the government will take a stronger initiative to expedite the construction plans.

hahahaha-no, not funny.



LOL do you really want to see 2 runways at HIA? Even CMB (BIA) only has 1 runway at the moment. However when the port picks up, then a 2nd runway may be needed in order to transport freight etc. But it may not happen for a few decades.

Though the HIA will be an added advantage to the Sri Lanka’s aviation, BIA needs two runaways and a major improvement. I hope the government will take a stronger initiative to expedite the construction plans.

Agreed. Before building a 2nd runway at HIA, a 2nd runway and terminal must be built at CMB to cater to demand (and to build a hub). Even the current terminal building at CMB looks outdated and needs to be further refurbished.

LOL do you really want to see 2 runways at HIA? Even CMB (BIA) only has 1 runway at the moment. However when the port picks up, then a 2nd runway may be needed in order to transport freight etc. But it may not happen for a few decades.



Agreed. Before building a 2nd runway at HIA, a 2nd runway and terminal must be built at CMB to cater to demand (and to build a hub). Even the current terminal building at CMB looks outdated and needs to be further refurbished.
Nonono, I want a second runway at BIA, not HIA. The reason I thought there'd be two was because some of the pictures looked like they were building a second runway.
What he said was that even one runway was too much for HIA-you know, he's saying its a waste of time, shouldn't have built it, blah, blah, blah, typical whining.

http://serendib.btoptions.lk/cpanel/uploader/921/5.jpg
http://serendib.btoptions.lk/cpanel/uploader/921/13.jpg
http://serendib.btoptions.lk/cpanel/uploader/921/4.jpg
http://serendib.btoptions.lk/cpanel/uploader/921/6.jpg

Nonono, I want a second runway at BIA, not HIA. The reason I thought there'd be two was because some of the pictures looked like they were building a second runway.
What he said was that even one runway was too much for HIA-you know, he's saying its a waste of time, shouldn't have built it, blah, blah, blah, typical whining.

Sorry about that, yes I misread what you said before! I think theyll eventually build a parallel taxiway in the 2nd phase of HIA (like whats currently at BIA).

And thanks for the pics Saraprobe

Agree with Fazilanka. They need to push for an additional runway and do a complete overhaul of the airport to increase capacity. The arrival terminal is such a sleepy impression with a Pettah like floor. The prices n choices are not competitive enough by any of the players. More foreign airways are returning route SL. Likewise Tourism authorities should showcase a better impressive lounge and immigration counters with younger individuals who can converse and promote the country.

http://airport.lk/images/news_img/hia_latest/1.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/hia_latest/2.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/hia_latest/3.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/hia_latest/4.jpg
Lovely high ceiling
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/hia_latest/5.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/hia_latest/6.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/hia_latest/7.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/hia_latest/8.jpg

HIA expansion plans involve bulldozing this wall (by the escalator), they have no doubt incooperated the expansion into the design, but that wall does look very solid.

http://airport.lk/images/news_img/hia_latest/5.jpg

More Chinese funds sought for Mattala airport



Over Rs. 26 b already spent; Rs. 9 b more needed to complete project
Sri Lanka will ask China’s Exim Bank for US$ 72 million or Rs. 9.1 billion more to complete the new Mattala International Airport in Hambantota.Now under construction, the airport has already cost the Government US$$ 209 million or Rs. 26.6 billion, of which US$ 190 million or Rs. 24.2 billion has come from the Exim Bank of China.

According to a memorandum submitted to the Cabinet by Civil Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne, extra money is required for two purposes. One is the “cost on additional works” amounting to US$ 45.5 million or Rs. 5.7 billion.
The other is described as “price escalation” amounting� to US$ 26.5 million or Rs 3.3 billion.

Mr. Jayaratne has sought approval from his ministerial colleagues to request a proposal from the China Harbour Engineering Company Limited to “design and build additional work”. Whilst recommending that the contract value of the project be enhanced, he has also asked to “obtain supplementary loan from China Exim Bank” to meet the additional financial commitment.

Minister Jayaratne has said additional work would include the construction of a hangar and taxiway for SriLankan Airlines, an external access road and the building of a cargo apron and taxiway.Whilst pointing out that additional costs due to inflated escalation costs of plant, material and labour would be US$ 20 million or Rs. 260 million, cost on variation work related to the expansion of the passenger terminal building and other facilities, work related to runway, additional turfing work related to runway, airfield gardening, costs due to increase of power supply and navigational aid would cost $ 26.5 million or Rs. 3.3 billion.

The Civil Aviation Minister has told the Cabinet that SriLankan Airlines has “committed to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the international airport and requested to construct a four-bay hangar and apron and connect an additional taxiway on the southern part of the aerodrome.”

The SriLankan Airlines has been making colossal losses annually. In 2011/12 it recorded a Rs. 17 billion loss. This was in marked contrast to the loss of Rs. 175 million in 2010/11. Minister Jayaratne has said the extent of the passenger terminal building at present is 10,000 square metres and the cargo building is 5,000 square metres. He adds, “At the design review stage, it was highlighted by the Design Review Consultant that the terminal building should have a segregated passenger flow and required to be widened to facilitate for the forthcoming aviation growth.”

This is another white elephant as this airport is located deep south away from any hustle and bustle. The Hambantota Port is another such. The money invested in these projects could have been used for other purposes to feed the impoverished people of the country as well as for other projects feeding into Colombo. The outskirts of Colombo needs better roads rapidly esp Galle Road needs an alternate viaduct to reduce congestion.

This is another white elephant as this airport is located deep south away from any hustle and bustle. The Hambantota Port is another such.

I laughed.

The money invested in these projects could have been used for other purposes to feed the impoverished people of the country as well as for other projects feeding into Colombo. The outskirts of Colombo needs better roads rapidly esp Galle Road needs an alternate viaduct to reduce congestion.

Really? And what do you suppose they're trying to do in Hambantota? Develop it maybe, since its a bit of a poor area?

Psh, what I am I talking about. in what crazy world would they do that.....

And all those U/C highways and roadworks can't possibly be true....



You think only Colombo should be developed? What happened to feeding the impoverished people? Hypocrisy much?

I laughed.



Really? And what do you suppose they're trying to do in Hambantota? Develop it maybe, since its a bit of a poor area?

Psh, what I am I talking about. in what crazy world would they do that.....

And all those U/C highways and roadworks can't possibly be true....



You think only Colombo should be developed? What happened to feeding the impoverished people. Hypocrisy much?


What do you expect from these people?

They always ask "why invest in a poor area"? And wonder why all of SL is impoverished.

They bark about ending poverty but do not seem to understand (or care) as to how this should be/can be achieved.

You ask them "so how do we develop as a nation, whats your game plan" they have no clue. They usually just disapear for a while then come back to whinge later over something else, or the same issue in which they had been proven wrong (and idiotic) early that made them disapear in the first place.


Apparently all that needs to be developed is Colombo, which should somehow expand and swallow all of Sri Lanka Hikz.


SL struggles to develop because of short sighted people unable to think out of the box and for the long term. People view things through their political tunnel vision.

I have explained maybe a 100 times the benefit and potential of Hambantota port (so long as its done properly) yet it doesn't matter to these whiners looking for something to hate.

This guys Shakeel (or was it tig?) was also complaining against the new rest stop/service area opened on E01, saying no one will use it, it's a waste of money, expressway is too short for it's need, blah blah blah.

It does not click in their brains that the new service area is designed with the future in mind. They lack the ability to see ahead.

Nut jobs like them to this day complain about E01 being built in the first place.

Another issue is that these people look at things through their hatred for MR/current Government and whine and spread hate and “oppose” on this basis. I do not like MR and the thugocracy, doesn’t mean I act like a fool incapable of seeing what is beneficial, what is not. Too many people in SL suffer from third world syndrome, only caring for the short term and looking at things from primitive points of view. Their only concern is how something will benefit them and benefit them NOW without giving a damn for the consequences or the future.

What do you expect from these people?

They always ask "why invest in a poor area"? And wonder why all of SL is impoverished.

They bark about ending poverty but do not seem to understand (or care) as to how this should be/can be achieved.

You ask them "so how do we develop as a nation, whats your game plan" they have no clue. They usually just disapear for a while then come back to whinge later over something else, or the same issue in which they had been proven wrong (and idiotic) early that made them disapear in the first place.


Apparently all that needs to be developed is Colombo, which should somehow expand and swallow all of Sri Lanka Hikz.


SL struggles to develop because of short sighted people unable to think out of the box and for the long term. People view things through their political tunnel vision.

I have explained maybe a 100 times the benefit and potential of Hambantota port (so long as its done properly) yet it doesn't matter to these whiners looking for something to hate.

This guys Shakeel (or was it tig?) was also complaining against the new rest stop/service area opened on E01, saying no one will use it, it's a waste of money, expressway is too short for it's need, blah blah blah.

It does not click in their brains that the new service area is designed with the future in mind. They lack the ability to see ahead.

Nut jobs like them to this day complain about E01 being built in the first place.

Another issue is that these people look at things through their hatred for MR/current Government and whine and spread hate and “oppose” on this basis. I do not like MR and the thugocracy, doesn’t mean I act like a fool incapable of seeing what is beneficial, what is not. Too many people in SL suffer from third world syndrome, only caring for the short term and looking at things from primitive points of view. Their only concern is how something will benefit them and benefit them NOW without giving a damn for the consequences or the future.
Guys pls stop responding to those short sighted politically infested gibberish. It's a waste of your time as well as others time in this forum.

-Del-

First feed the poor before bringing development. This guy Pretorian talks big as he has not proper and very short sighted. The other dude Pop is a laughing joke. Read your own comments of criticsm before pointing others shortfall. Cheers!

First feed the poor before bringing development. This guy Pretorian talks big as he has not proper and very short sighted. The other dude Pop is a laughing joke. Read your own comments of criticsm before pointing others shortfall. Cheers!


LOL an unsurprising typical foolish comment.

Since the 1950s and 60s Governments have been coming into power through cheap short sighted policies of (artificially) lowering food prices and “feeding the poor”. Yet people still go hungry in this country, did this policy of “feeding people” through free food handouts solve the hunger problem for good? Did it end poverty? The answer as you can see for yourself is NO.
Have you stopped to think why giving free stuff has failed? Of course not. Because short sighted people like you only care about filling your stomachs today and now, eking out an existence based on todays happiness while and personal satisfaction while suffering in the future.

50 years ago no one thought “ok we’re hungry now, what do we do to make sure we NEVER GO hungry again in the future”? The attitude prevalent then and now was “who cares about 50 years from now, I’ll be dead then, I’m hungry now”.

Dumping money on free stuff does not solve anything. Sri Lanka has been
doing that since Independence: subsidising, food and education and goodness knows what else. Has it lowered poverty throughout the country?

Has it made the masses richer? Has it created people with good attitudes? The answer is NO. It’s created a bunch of leeches like you are more trapped in their short sighted desires and selfish attitudes.

You reduce poverty by creating jobs, developing industry, increasing exports; you do not reduce poverty by giving things for free and “feeding people”. Part of that process of creating jobs and developing industry is dependent on the existence of suitable infrastructure to sustain that development and encourage it.

As for your so called "criticism", that is ALL you do. I have never seen anything constructive or positive from you.

Tell me Shakeel, how do you "feed the poor" when the country has no infrastructure and no industry to sustain this mass programme of "feeding the poor"? How do you feed the poor when the country is also backward and underdeveloped?

So, since you seem love to complain, you must have a better idea of how to do things right? You clearly have a better development model for Sri Lanka in that genius head of yours, so lets hear it. How do we lower poverty and make people better off in this country so there will be no poor in this country who need to be fed. Spell out all the details.

Shall we leave the politics aside and try to look at it intellectually?

I totally understand the Hambantota port. Its off a busy shipping lane so it can draw transhipment cargo, vessel repairs and other services etc etc. There is also a lot of land available in the vicinity so one can have port related industries.The only drawback is lack of fresh water which can be overcome somewhat by desalination.

However, I cannot understand the airport. Looking at the passenger terminals and other infrastructure, its obviously going to be primarily a passenger airport. But short of a few charter flights bringing tourists in, can you see much demand for the airport? I don't know how many flights a day an airport needs to have to break even but I am sure it is more than Hambantota will have in a long long time.

Perhaps Hambantota could have been developed as a regional airport initially and the money saved be used in other infrastructure like the Colombo Kandy highway, a highway to Trinco and Jaffna, continuing the southern expressway to the eastern province etc etc.

Your comments?

Shall we leave the politics aside and try to look at it intellectually?

I totally understand the Hambantota port. Its off a busy shipping lane so it can draw transhipment cargo, vessel repairs and other services etc etc. There is also a lot of land available in the vicinity so one can have port related industries.The only drawback is lack of fresh water which can be overcome somewhat by desalination.

However, I cannot understand the airport. Looking at the passenger terminals and other infrastructure, its obviously going to be primarily a passenger airport. But short of a few charter flights bringing tourists in, can you see much demand for the airport? I don't know how many flights a day an airport needs to have to break even but I am sure it is more than Hambantota will have in a long long time.

Perhaps Hambantota could have been developed as a regional airport initially and the money saved be used in other infrastructure like the Colombo Kandy highway, a highway to Trinco and Jaffna, continuing the southern expressway to the eastern province etc etc.

Your comments?
I guess it would have been safer spent on improving BIA?

I guess it would have been safer spent on improving BIA?

I think it wouldve been safer since BIA needs a new terminal badly. They really shouldve demolished the existing one and rebuilt it from scratch (with a two level concourse and 16 gates). They couldve phased out construction by building a new terminal (whre T2 will be) whilst demolishing the existing terminal upon completion of the new terminal and expanding the new terminal into its place gradually. It wouldve allowed for a futuristic design and worlds best practices to have been incorporated.

However I think SL needs a 2nd airport and Hambantota is well placed to serve east coast tourism and the new port in Hambantota. Although it shouldve been built closer to the port to better facilitate cargo IMHO.

I also believe that Mattala Airport is kinda waste and i agree with the chinese laborers working on the Hambantota Port. Some people may not agree with me and i may not agree with others but whats with this fighting guys ?

I deleted almost a page of this thread. Please guys just stay on topic and if you want to insult someone, do it but PM them and take it there.

http://airport.lk/images/news_img/hia_latest/20130116/1.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/hia_latest/20130116/3.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/hia_latest/20130116/4.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/hia_latest/20130116/6.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/hia_latest/20130116/5.jpg

Is this correct? :ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hambantota_International_Airport

Nothing against MR but camonnnnnnnnn let one go pleaeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

:bash:

Doesn't matter anyways, I guess, everyone just calls it HIA.

N94hVtoTe2k

:banana::banana::cheers::cheers:

Is it being named after MR???

Oh my lord.

Seriously??? Who's idea is this-straight from the boss himself or some scyophants showing what good pets they are?? I'm so sick of this.

Is it being named after MR???

Oh my lord.

Seriously??? Who's idea is this-straight from the boss himself or some scyophants showing what good pets they are?? I'm so sick of this.

If Bandaranaike got an Airport named after her, he sure isn't going to let this one go. :lol:

We come the Democratic Socialist Republic of Mahinda Rajapaksa.

We so far have 3 international airports now, I wonder how many more with this guy's aviation hub concept.

If Bandaranaike got an Airport named after her, he sure isn't going to let this one go. :lol:

We come the Democratic Socialist Republic of Mahinda Rajapaksa.

We so far have 3 international airports now, I wonder how many more with this guy's aviation hub concept.

It's not named after CBK, its named after SWRD. And honestly the name is ridiculous. KIA is much nicer.

Next we'll have the Rajapaksha Lotus Tower! :lol:

Eh, the name isn't that important....sometimes. >.>

I kinda saw this coming though, but I expected him to name the harbour after himself, rather than the airport, given that the harbour is more significant.

http://airport.lk/images/news_img/20130129/3.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/20130129/4.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/20130129/8.jpg
http://airport.lk/images/news_img/20130129/9.jpg

Entrance
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/1_Entrance/1.jpg
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/1_Entrance/2.jpg
................
Walkway
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/2_Walkway/1.jpg
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/2_Walkway/4.jpg
.................
Lobby
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/3_Lobby/1.jpg
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/3_Lobby/2.jpg
.................
Check-In
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/4_Check-In/5.jpg
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/4_Check-In/6.jpg
.................
Gate Area
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/5_Gate_Area/3.jpg
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/5_Gate_Area/2.jpg
.................
Immigration
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/8_Immigration/1.jpg
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/8_Immigration/4.jpg
.................
Arrival Baggage Claim Customs
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/9_Arrival_Baggage_Claim_Customs/3.jpg
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/9_Arrival_Baggage_Claim_Customs/4.jpg
.................
Middle Garden
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/10_Middle_Garden/3.jpg
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/10_Middle_Garden/6.jpg
.................
Terminal Area
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/11_Terminal_Arial/5.jpg
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/11_Terminal_Arial/4.jpg
.................
Control Tower
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/12_Tower/1.jpg
http://airport.lk/hia/reality/12_Tower/9.jpg

Thanks for sharing saraprobe. Lovely pix

හම්බන්තොට ජාත්*යන්තර ගුවන් තොටුපොල
මත්තල
http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/blcdilruk/Matthala%20Airport/20130119_182525_resize_zps56f97917.jpg

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/blcdilruk/Matthala%20Airport/20130128_091144_resize_zpsca664ec3.jpg

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/blcdilruk/Matthala%20Airport/IMG_0493_resize_zps4bc7594f.jpg

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/blcdilruk/Matthala%20Airport/IMG_0496_resize_zps23075371.jpg

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/blcdilruk/Matthala%20Airport/IMG_0507_resize_zps718fee33.jpg

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/blcdilruk/Matthala%20Airport/IMG_0500_resize_zpsb548b099.jpg

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/blcdilruk/Matthala%20Airport/IMG_0502_resize_zps3fe5acc2.jpg

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/blcdilruk/Matthala%20Airport/IMG_0518_resize_zpsf293aabe.jpg

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/blcdilruk/Matthala%20Airport/IMG_0523_resize_zps255e4382.jpg

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/blcdilruk/Matthala%20Airport/IMG_0524_resize_zpscf3febf8.jpg

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/blcdilruk/Matthala%20Airport/IMG_0526_resize_zpsd33d3f61.jpg

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/blcdilruk/Matthala%20Airport/IMG_0534_resize_zpsb7092a7e.jpg

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/blcdilruk/Matthala%20Airport/IMG_0544_resize_zpsbdb820e8.jpg

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/blcdilruk/Matthala%20Airport/IMG_0547_resize_zps7c2e9f64.jpg

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/blcdilruk/Matthala%20Airport/IMG_0550_resize_zpsfd341c28.jpg

http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy75/blcdilruk/Matthala%20Airport/IMG_0513_resize_zpsd56203a9.jpg

Special thanks goes to original copyright holder blcdilruk from Elakiri.com

Thanks for the pics!

After seeing HIA, I am convinced that BIA needs improvements.

After seeing HIA, I am convinced that BIA needs improvements.


Totally agree with you... :cheers::cheers:

The Government will adopt an open skies policy allowing international carriers to operate freely at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne said yesterday.

Open skies policy is a concept where free market conditions are created for commercial aviation. It provides access to international carriers to operate freely without restrictions.

“This is a move to attract more international traffic and the new policy will be announced next week,” he said. The minister said the policy would not apply to the Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake.

The minister said the open skies policy would create a free market environment for the airline industry. Earlier, the Government had planned to have an open skies policy only for a limited period but now it had decided to extend it for an unlimited period.

He said that among other concessions at Mattala would be a 50 per cent discount on ground handling charges for five years.

He said talks were held with various international airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ettihad, Air Arabia, Sichuan Airlines of China and the Korean Airlines and they had agreed to fly to Mattala. Talks with other airlines were continuing.

Mr. Jayaratne said a 10-acre land has been allocated to Air Arabia for the construction of a 400 room hotel while a local company had also been allocated land for a hotel project.

The first phase of the new 800-acre airport constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company cost US$ 209 million (Rs 26.7 billion).

Meanwhilem Civil Aviation Director General H.M.C. Nimalasiri has gazetted the official commissioning of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport for domestic and international air transport services.

Source (http://www.sundaytimes.lk/130210/new...bia-32686.html)

http://airport.lk/images/site_images/hia.jpg

.... :picard:

Next we'll have the Rajapaksha Lotus Tower! :lol:

Eh, the name isn't that important....sometimes. >.>

I kinda saw this coming though, but I expected him to name the harbour after himself, rather than the airport, given that the harbour is more significant.

Whoops, I was wrong, the harbour is ALSO named after him. :bash:

According http://hia.lk/ still exist "old" name "Hambantota International Airport"
Very confuse...

They are trying to make HTT (oops i mean HRIA hikz) out beat CMB through a "clever trick". As they can't force foreign airlines to use HTT they are trying to entice them to do so by offering free refuelling and ground handling. The "thinking" here is that because it's so cheap for them to use HTT compared to CMB (as everything will be given free), all the foreign airlines will ditch CMB and go to HTT. Diverting all passengers and air traffic to HTT. Then they will proclaim it a "success" story, like Mihin making profit (lol).

This is the stupidest plan imaginable. Where does the money come from for the free fuel and ground handling that will be given? Well the state coffers of course.

I don't oppose a second international airport, even the location (not that great but ok i suppose) however by trying to artificially make HTT SL's primary airport by using "tricks" in the hopes of making airlines use it is just ridiculous. I thought these people would be smart and let HTT grow “organically”. Then again intelligence and foresight + this government don’t go together.

Choices
9 Feb, 2013 08:32:59
By Rohan Samarajiva

Sri Lanka’s success as a hub: Location is not enough

Feb 19, 2013 (LBO) - I’ve been seeing the insides of too many airports, one reason for the long gap since the last Choices column. Made me reflect on what makes some airports hubs and others not.
A hub airport is one that has a high proportion of transit passengers (and/or freight). The last time one of my students did an in-depth study, around 20 percent of passengers going through BIA were in transit. Just before it was renationalized, SriLankan claimed that as many as 46 percent of its passengers transited through Colombo, though that percentage appears too high for now.
Sri Lanka used to be a major hub in the 1960s, as evidenced by the story of Lee Kuan Yew transiting to London through Colombo. Then we lost that status and started going to Singapore to get long-haul flights. What this shows is that location is not enough, by itself.

Competition among hubs

One of the world’s largest hub airports, Heathrow, sees itself in competition not only with the other major hub airports in Europe (Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Madrid), but also with emerging hubs in Istanbul and Dubai. This is a correct perception, since it’s now common for Asian and African passengers to bypass Europe altogether and fly to North and South America directly from Gulf airports such as Doha and Dubai.

Colombo has little chance of competing with the region’s mega hubs, such as Bangkok, Dubai and Singapore. But it can easily achieve greater success as a regional hub, connecting South Asian passengers to South Eastern and Western Asia.

Colombo is not at the geographical center of South Asia (New Delhi is), but it is advantageously positioned in relation to the dynamic South Indian states, the Maldives and even populous Indonesia.

For a while it appeared that New Delhi’s new Terminal 3, operated as a public-private partnership and home to a dynamic airline (Jet Airways), would pose a serious threat to Colombo, but it appears that the quality of the transit experience there is deteriorating. The massive numbers of passengers generated within the catchment area of the New Delhi airport appears to have caused the Indian airport authorities to fumble the ball.

Countries like Singapore and Sri Lanka that do not have the luxury of a massive domestic catchment area cannot afford to; they arecompelled to pay greater attention to transit passengers in order to fill their flights and make best use of their airports.

What a hub needs to succeed

The most important ingredient of success as a hub airport is good connections (to places that passengers want to go to; without too long a wait). The precondition for good connections is lots of flights. How one attracts a lot of flights is by running an efficient airport that can provide excellent ground services (e.g., fueling, catering, baggage services) at competitive prices.

BIA is not the most efficient airport in the region. SriLankan, the home airline, has long enjoyed monopolies in ground services. These monopolies become even more important when the airline is hemorrhaging red ink, as it is now. But they have to be eliminated BIA is to become a successful regional hub.

No one was complaining about Singapore Changi’s efficiency. Yet, they have introduced significant competition in ground services by allowing in DNATA, the Dubai-based airport services operator. Sri Lanka should follow, at least in terms of concessioning out the supply of ground services through well-defined contracts that create incentives for efficient service supply and low prices.

BIA now offers better services to transit passengers, such a transit hotel and more choice in retail, food and drink. These amenities factor in only after the transit passengers have arrived. No one buys an airline ticket on the basis of the shopping in the transit airport. Many successful airports maintain significant margins on the amenities provided to the captive passengers but keep the ground services as low as possible. Making it attractive for airlines to land an aircraft and takeoff again is the foundation of success of a hub.

Mattala’s effects

The question that will naturally arise is the impact of Mattala. A hub is about people coming on one flight and conveniently getting on another. There is not much value in coming to Colombo and departing from Mattala, or vice versa. For example, having all the flights to and from South East Asia coming to Mattala while Colombo serves South Asia and western destinations does not make a lot of sense since that will not make either airport an attractive hub and will actually harm the potential of each.

Another danger is that the airport authorities will try to cross-subsidize Mattala, by offering below-cost ground services there and jacking up the prices in Colombo even further. Another is the mandating of the use of Mattala, irrespective of commercial considerations. This was the case in Ireland a few decades back.

Ireland had built a big airport at one of its westernmost points, Shannon, to serve the aircraft of the time that needed to refuel as quickly as possible after crossing the Atlantic. Then aircraft technology improved as Shannon was no longer needed. But the government mandated all aircraft coming to Dublin (where the people and businesses were) to clear customs and immigration in Shannon. I recall going through the contortions of doing two landings in a tiny little country as recently as in the early 1990s.

Given how expensive landings and takeoffs are, we passengers paid for the generosity of the Irish government to the stakeholders of Shannon. I believe this madness did not continue for too long.

In the case of Shannon, irrational behavior by the government was driven by the need to appease existing stakeholders. Luckily, there are no existing stakeholders in Mattala. Therefore, one hopes that Shannon will not be repeated here.


Freight hub
But there is a good side to the Shannon story. It was one of the birth places of business process outsourcing. Given the limitations of data storage and communication in the late 1980s and 1990s, it made sense to air freight tape containing data across the Atlantic to be worked upon and returned also by air freight. It also attracted a lot of European beachhead offices of American companies, especially those in IT.

That particular story cannot be directly replicated in Mattala. But its essence can. The authorities need to think of a rational economic application now that the airport has been built. An air freight cargo hub seems to make prima facie sense. In terms of aircraft movements, obscure Memphis, Tennessee, and Louisville, Kentucky, are among the busiest in the world, because they serve as hubs for FedEx and UPS respectively.

While the volumes of air freight carried by these companies as well as others such as DHL and TNT are growing rapidly in South Asia, the region still lacks hubs. The closest are situated in the high-cost locations of Bahrain, Dubai and Singapore. It would be quite a coup for the Aviation Ministry to attract the first such hub in South Asia to Mattala.

http://www.lbo.lk/fullstory.php?nid=1829264474#cm

---


Will Gov take on board this advice?! NO

Hi guys is anyone know why air sri lanka forum (http://www.airsrilanka.org/forum/) is private now. It used to be public.

And also to register here need to fill up a excel file and email to some one to get an user name and password !! did you guys did that also ?

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport
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Countdown to Opening
Sri Lanka's Newest International Gateway


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18th March 2013 signifies the official handing over to the nation of the Sri Lankas’ Second wondrous sky gate


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© 2012 Airport & Aviation (Sri Lanka) Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport
Vision becomes a Reality 2 3 1 0 4 7 5 6
23 days, 10 hours, 47 minutes and 56 seconds
Countdown to Opening
Sri Lanka's Newest International Gateway


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18th March 2013 signifies the official handing over to the nation of the Sri Lankas’ Second wondrous sky gate


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© 2012 Airport & Aviation (Sri Lanka) Limited. All Rights Reserved.

:cheers::cheers::):):) :banana::banana::banana:

Access Engineering PLC, the leading infrastructure development solutions provider in Sri Lanka, played an important role in infrastructure development work carried out at the Mattala International Airport, which was entrusted by the main contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd.

The successful completion and timely delivery of this national project was performed by utilising state-of-the-art technology and equipment in compliance to the most stringent quality and safety standards.

http://www.ft.lk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/BUP_DFT_DFT-2-7.jpg
Access road to the Mattala International Airport
http://www.ft.lk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/BUP_DFT_DFT-2-8.jpg
Cargo building

Funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the construction of the Hambantota International Airport in Mattala is one of the country’s most exhilarating infrastructure projects which began in 2009 and when fully operational, will be Sri Lanka’s second international airport after the Bandaranaike International Airport. The new airport is expected to be a catalyst for the country’s economic development by enabling international trade, tourism, employment, etc.

Access Engineering was entrusted with the construction of the cargo and fire rescue buildings, design and construction of the airport access road, supply and laying of external and internal water supply mains, construction of a water tower and the construction of an aviation fuel hydrant system under the major infrastructure development of the Hambantota International Airport. The combined value of these projects amounts to over Rs. 2 billion.

Along with the main contractor China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd., Access Engineering was given the responsibility of designing and constructing the access road to the Hambantota International Airport by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. The 2.5 km, four-lane road consists of a two m wide central median, 3.2 m wide carriageways and 1.1m wide walkways on either side. The road followed a completely new trace which stretches through marshy areas that frequently remain flooded during rainy seasons. The designers from Access Engineering took up the challenge to provide a robust and economical solution to overcome this issue.

Access Engineering implemented many value engineering solutions to reduce costs and improve the quality of the cargo and fire rescue buildings which were completed on time complying with the highest quality standards of a modern day airport.

“Expertise of our support services was utilised extensively and we even forayed into mechanical installation work such as the long span roofing structure, in-house. We acquired and developed the expertise and specialised knowledge that is required to excel in this fiercely competitive sector of building construction by gearing up to meet the challenges and the changes in the economic climate that would open up many opportunities in the future,” said Nihal Jayathilaka, Senior Project Manager of Access Engineering.

The most noteworthy challenge Access Engineering took on is the construction of the aviation fuel hydrant system. After re-evaluating predictions of air traffic and quality of services, Airport and Aviation Services Ltd. (Sri Lanka), along with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, was compelled to introduce an aviation fuel hydrant system in the apron area of the airport.
http://www.ft.lk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/BUP_DFT_DFT-2-9.jpg
Fire and rescue building( how many air-cons you need?):nuts:

This development in the halfway stage of the project and many other construction works were in critical and crucial stages. This new introduction became a dilemma for Airport Aviation Services since it would cause huge delays to the completion of the apron area of the airport and its timely completion was also under threat.

However, Access Engineering together with China Harbour Engineering provided innovative solutions to overcome these obstacles by constructing the aviation fuel hydrant system without affecting the completion date. The Mattala fuel hydrant project was unique as it used sophisticated and modern technology while strict quality standards and control measures were implemented throughout.

As a major player in infrastructure development across Sri Lanka, Access Engineering takes pride to be associated with some of the most significant projects in the country, which yet again proves that the company continues to be the partner of choice in value engineering.

FT (http://www.ft.lk/2013/03/06/access-engineering-hands-over-completed-projects-at-mattala-international-airport/)

http://accessengsl.com/wp-content/files_mf/13.jpg

No drains? :nuts:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=MHlx0qFIDhQ

Perhaps someone could show me how to embed you tube videos here !

Type this without spaces
[youtube ]MHlx0qFIDhQ [/ youtube]
MHlx0qFIDhQ part is found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHlx0qFIDhQ

MHlx0qFIDhQ

Type this without spaces
[youtube ]MHlx0qFIDhQ [/ youtube]
MHlx0qFIDhQ part is found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHlx0qFIDhQ

MHlx0qFIDhQ
Thanks

From the Sunday Times front page 10/03/2013
I feel the cartoonist should have left in as "Nagina, Nagina" insted of translating it to get- in, get- in
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8505/8547899266_cfa4535e52_z.jpg

some cool photos are available at http://www.demotix.com/photo/1865473/sri-lankas-second-international-airport-mattala

Sri Lanka Mattala airport interests A380 operators: official

Mar 14, 2013 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's second international airport in Mattala is attracting interest from Airbus A380 operators, and the airport agency stands to earn more navigation fees from overflying aircraft, a top official said.

"A lot of airlines are interested in this runway," chairman of Airport and Aviation Services of Sri Lanka Ltd, Prasanna Wickramasuriya said.
"Airlines flying over from Dubai to Sydney, would prefer to have an air route over Sri Lanka since we have a runway like this."

The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport in Mattala has a 3,500 metre runway, 60 metres wide 7.5 metre shoulders which has been designated 'Code F' by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Mattala airport which is opening next week will commence with flights by Emirates-based Air Arabia and Fly Dubai and state-run SriLankan and Mihin Air.

"Airlines like Emirates, Qatar are also interested because we have A380 capable runway," Wickramasuriya said.

Sri Lanka already earns navigation fees from aircraft overflying its flight information region, but industry analysts have said that the full potential of controlling air traffic in the Indian Ocean is yet to be exploited.

An additional possible role for Mattala. From the letters to the editor, Sunday Times March 31st 2013
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8544/8605478668_4388672f41_b.jpg

Yes, I've heard this before. A space port in Mattala in the future has some valid arguments. To add to the one above, Mattala is one of the few areas not in international territory to have the lowest possible gravitational attraction.
Maybe sometime in the not so distant future, eh? :cheers:

Yes, I've heard this before. A space port in Mattala in the future has some valid arguments. To add to the one above, Mattala is one of the few areas not in international territory to have the lowest possible gravitational attraction.
Maybe sometime in the not so distant future, eh? :cheers:

Don't forget its proximity to Sripada- a potential site for Arthur C Clarke's space elevator!

Hey we may be onto something really big here! Will join you for that drink!:cheers::cheers:

Is it really possible, a space station in Sri-Lanka? We already have a space program, and most countries that get a space program eventually build their own stations. Yes, this sounds plausible.

Hope that one day I can drive to Mattala to look at the rockets launching!:lol:
:cheers:

Guys any comment on this? This looks bad..

http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/03/31/mattala-international-airport-in-mid-air-battle/

Guys any comment on this? This looks bad..

http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/03/31/mattala-international-airport-in-mid-air-battle/

Do you have a more moderate source? And also, all aircraft are required to have glass that doesn't crack due to bird collisions. I guess we'll find out more if anything happens.

Do you have a more moderate source? And also, all aircraft are required to have glass that doesn't crack due to bird collisions. I guess we'll find out more if anything happens.

Supposedly a hale stone caused that:

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/130331/news/mattala-colombo-srilankan-flight-hit-ice-or-birds-39491.html

Supposedly a hale stone caused that:

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/130331/news/mattala-colombo-srilankan-flight-hit-ice-or-birds-39491.html

Hang on...we have hail in Sri-Lanka? o.O

Hang on...we have hail in Sri-Lanka? o.O

There are hail storms all over the world in the upper atmosphere, in equatorial countries like sri lanka only rarely does it reach the ground.

There have been a few documented cases of hail reaching the ground in Sri Lanka. Here is one such case

14 Jul 2012Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)BY NABEELA HUSSAIN, PALITHA ARIYAWANSA AND PRASAD RUKMAL
Hail storm hits Bandarawela
It said it was a rare weather condition which occurrred when there was an unusual cloud formation.

Bandarawela and the adjacent Madolseema town experienced the rare occurrence of a hail storm last evening for a few minutes followed by thunder showers, the Meteorology Department said.

It said it was a rare weather condition which occurrred when there was an unusual cloud formation. The storm lasted for five minutes and was followed by thundershowers which lasted for over an hour.

Re the wild birds issue, the environmental lobby has been up in arms against this project from inception. Even now I am told a large number of wild birds are being culled to make the airport safe for planes.

Sri Lanka's Hambantota district lies at the termination of an Asian bird migratory flyway, where large flocks of waders in particular move along the coast to settle and feed at the wetlands that expand in the area during the North East monsoonal rainy season. (from http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/news/Sri_Lanka_Mattala_airport_in_bird_strike/2011996338)

Bird strikes are very expensive for airlines because even if doesn't damage the airplane. The airplane has to be taken out of service for inspections.

Strikes to the engines can cause the engine to stall as was the case in New York recently where all four engines were hit and the pilot had to glide to a landing in the Hudson river

One of the major problems in Srilanka is that everything gets so polarised, that there are no objective views.

Guys any comment on this? This looks bad..

http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/03/31/mattala-international-airport-in-mid-air-battle/

this is the problem in sri lanka. may be the country is ambitious after the war. but it keeps on failing in big projects due to the fact there are no proper feasible studies or research are conducted before a big investment is made. hambantota port then, now the airport is a good example. no warnings should be taken lightly before a big investment made. hope the government learned the lesson ..atleast for the future

From the Sunday Times 07/03/2013

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/130407/news/water-holes-around-mattala-closed-to-keep-away-birds-and-animals-40385.html

Water holes around Mattala closed to keep away birds and animals

By Leon Berenger

The Civil Aviation Authority has started to cover up the water holes in and around the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) to prevent birds and other wildlife species from entering the area since they could pose a serious threat to aircraft, a senior official said yesterday.

Civil Aviation Director General H.M.C. Nimalsiri said they were also removing sources of fodder such as grass, weeds and seeds that could attract the birds and the animals to the area.�In addition, flares and crackers were also being exploded to scare away the birds and the animals shortly before the arrival or departure of an aircraft, he said.

Mr. Nimalsiri claimed that this was a part of the “eco-friendly action plan” that had come into effect since the opening of the MRIA on March 18. “The only way to prevent the birds and animals from interrupting aviation traffic is to deprive them of their water and fodder. The birds descend on the water holes in search of fish and their presence goes on to attract wild animals in search of food,” the Aviation Chief explained.

He also ruled out any plans to shoot down the birds since it was not environmentally friendly and not the right thing to do.The MRIA is situated in the heart of a large bird sanctuary that attracts thousands of migrant birds each year, and environmentalists have expressed serious concern for their future wellbeing as they could get entangled with flying aircraft.

Since the airport came into operation, there have been two reported cases of mid-air collisions between aircraft and large flocks of birds.

From the Sunday Times 07/03/2013

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/130407/news/water-holes-around-mattala-closed-to-keep-away-birds-and-animals-40385.html

Water holes around Mattala closed to keep away birds and animals

By Leon Berenger

The Civil Aviation Authority has started to cover up the water holes in and around the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) to prevent birds and other wildlife species from entering the area since they could pose a serious threat to aircraft, a senior official said yesterday.

Civil Aviation Director General H.M.C. Nimalsiri said they were also removing sources of fodder such as grass, weeds and seeds that could attract the birds and the animals to the area.�In addition, flares and crackers were also being exploded to scare away the birds and the animals shortly before the arrival or departure of an aircraft, he said.

Mr. Nimalsiri claimed that this was a part of the “eco-friendly action plan” that had come into effect since the opening of the MRIA on March 18. “The only way to prevent the birds and animals from interrupting aviation traffic is to deprive them of their water and fodder. The birds descend on the water holes in search of fish and their presence goes on to attract wild animals in search of food,” the Aviation Chief explained.

He also ruled out any plans to shoot down the birds since it was not environmentally friendly and not the right thing to do.The MRIA is situated in the heart of a large bird sanctuary that attracts thousands of migrant birds each year, and environmentalists have expressed serious concern for their future wellbeing as they could get entangled with flying aircraft.

Since the airport came into operation, there have been two reported cases of mid-air collisions between aircraft and large flocks of birds.

So someone's job was to shoot firecrackers all day ? :p

Can't stop but think whether we have chosen the correct location for the 2nd international port and airport. Declaring war on wild life like this doesn't make any sense to me.

Aiyo salli... They should have used this money to distribute among the people in the region to start small businesses...

Aiyo salli... They should have used this money to distribute among the people in the region to start small businesses...

Right, what else Gayan??
well H'tota port coming along and sooner or later we would need an airport but I am also unsure of the selected location!

Right, what else Gayan??
well H'tota port coming along and sooner or later we would need an airport but I am also unsure of the selected location!

FYI, the port, doesn't have container terminals for even basic port operations. We have a norachacole that breaks down once every 3 months, an expressway that has a speed limit of 100kmph, a port with no ships, an airport that was built in a wildlife sanctuary, where they have to handle the risk of collision with birds.. What else more?

FYI, the port, doesn't have container terminals for even basic port operations. We have a norachacole that breaks down once every 3 months, an expressway that has a speed limit of 100kmph, a port with no ships, an airport that was built in a wildlife sanctuary, where they have to handle the risk of collision with birds.. What else more?

Ohh your sentiment sounds rather political not logical and i guess others would agree. How much do you know about the colombo port? it took decades to lure ships my friend and your pathetic comment about expressway is ridiculous, what you want to fly? given it has not got adequate shoulder at some points, I am glad you have 100kmph!

FYR

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_strike

FYI, the port, doesn't have container terminals for even basic port operations. We have a norachacole that breaks down once every 3 months, an expressway that has a speed limit of 100kmph, a port with no ships, an airport that was built in a wildlife sanctuary, where they have to handle the risk of collision with birds.. What else more?

Pls dont behave like a 3rd class Sri Lankan Politician in this forum. Anyone can criticize any project, but pls come up with solid facts. If you are not sure, question it. Everyone has their own things to criticize, but make sure you do it professionally.

100km/h speed limit is for SAFETY reasons as well.

You think vehicles should travel as fast as they can on a motorway? Other than the wear and tear such excessive speeds would do to the vehicle itself, the number of accidents on E01 would grow exponentially and of course you'd be the first person to start complaining.

Ohh your sentiment sounds rather political not logical and i guess others would agree. How much do you know about the colombo port? it took decades to lure ships my friend and your pathetic comment about expressway is ridiculous, what you want to fly? given it has not got adequate shoulder at some points, I am glad you have 100kmph!

In that case it shouldn't be called an expressway.. more like a highway, or a motorway. I think it would have been better if we improved the rathmalana airport for A380s and build a connecting road between Galle rd, along the airport to the connect to a southern expressway interchange. That way we would have saved a lot of money and still preserved the environment.

Tourists come down for our natural beauty. If we keep on destroying and interfering with nature like this, soon we will loose our way of making a living.

Anyways, these projects are funded by mortgaging the future generations. Along with the upkeep of a port and a harbour, we have to pay the debt, along with the commercially charged interest rates. People like you are awed by a bridge or a white elephants. But consider if its ethical when unplanned and corrupt projects take place burdening our children.

I won't go further deep, since you didnt get the gist of my comment earlier. Therefore, you are free to think within your own parameters. Bridges and 240km roads are built even in Namibia, and Ghana in africa. But i'm sure they have been planned well ahead.

We are experiencing a borrowed economic boom. This is not sustainable. Ordinary lankan face the burden everyday. There goes some logic for you!

100km/h speed limit is for SAFETY reasons as well.

You think vehicles should travel as fast as they can on a motorway? Other than the wear and tear such excessive speeds would do to the vehicle itself, the number of accidents on E01 would grow exponentially and of course you'd be the first person to start complaining.

Wear and tear?? Dude are you kidding me? Ever heard about the autobarn?? It's in Germany! And there is no such thing as a speed limit.. Sounds like magic right? But it is real..

Wear and tear?? Dude are you kidding me? Ever heard about the autobarn?? It's in Germany! And there is no such thing as a speed limit.. Sounds like magic right? But it is real..

I think you are referring to 'autobahns', and why on Earth would you compare Srilanka to one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world?..Appreciate what is being done, 50 mins to Galle is good enough for me!!:lol:

I think you are referring to 'autobahns', and why on Earth would you compare Srilanka to one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world?..Appreciate what is being done, 50 mins to Galle is good enough for me!!:lol:

hahaha... no actually i was making fun of the wear and tear story.lol

Addressed to GAYAN

Even the autobahns have an advised speed limit ,and the vast majority of country's expressways top speed limit is 120 kmph, which is SE speed limit is going to be raised to, which you would know if you read the newspapers.
The port is not supposed to be open yet, that was political posturing.
The airport was built near a bird sanctuary, not in one.
"What else more"? How about before you start criticizing others, you learn to write/type properly?
And you want to start "small businesses"?!? What are you on man, what makes you think this will benefit the countries economy?

And you say that Sri-Lanka is being unsustainable, and you cite African countries, which are now so heavily indebted to China their whole future is in doubt? You're a funny guy.

I have news for you. Tourism accounts for less than 3% of our economy. It is rising, but that's what it is at right now.

"White Elephant" this "White Elephant" that. No proof, no back up, no argument. Just go away and stop embarrassing yourself and us.

In that case it shouldn't be called an expressway.. more like a highway, or a motorway.


Does it make a difference? Anyway the expressway in SL isnt built up to the standard of an autobahn (e.g. no centre median and no shoulders) so the speed limit should be less. This could be addressed if the road is expanded to 6 lanes in the future.

I think it would have been better if we improved the rathmalana airport for A380s and build a connecting road between Galle rd, along the airport to the connect to a southern expressway interchange. That way we would have saved a lot of money and still preserved the environment.

Pretty sure theres a bird sanctuary next to RML so by extending the runway youre actually doing harm to the environment.


Anyways, these projects are funded by mortgaging the future generations. Along with the upkeep of a port and a harbour, we have to pay the debt, along with the commercially charged interest rates.


You need to borrow money and invest in order to develop a country. Most countries did it this way. The key is to make sure that such projects are viable (HTT port and Airport will be viable in the long term) and are completely ready before they are opened (which is the main problem here IMHO). I think the Sports City in Hambantota is a different story and should be built in CMB.

[QUOTE=Popthepuff;102086592] Addressed to GAYAN

Even the autobahns have an advised speed limit ,and the vast majority of country's expressways top speed limit is 120 kmph, which is SE speed limit is going to be raised to, which you would know if you read the newspapers.

Look here dude.... first of all learn to accept criticism. It is obvious your ego compensates for your lack of character. You have no right to tell any member to go away. This is an independent forum, and everyone has the right to express their thoughts. I can effectively counter all your arguments with facts and links, but I won't because my time is more important than, dealing with an ignorant person like yourself. I have been a silent observer, and joined this forum way long before you did. And I have come to realize all the time how you always put dull comments but never contribute anything tangible. all the best!

E01 is the first in sri lanka and you want to have a road speed up to 120kmph, seriously have you driven in Sri lanka? do you know how they drive?

Seriously I am over this rubbish here, we did not have a lunatic like you in this forum up to date!

[QUOTE=Popthepuff;102086592] Addressed to GAYAN

Even the autobahns have an advised speed limit ,and the vast majority of country's expressways top speed limit is 120 kmph, which is SE speed limit is going to be raised to, which you would know if you read the newspapers.

Look here dude.... first of all learn to accept criticism. It is obvious your ego compensates for your lack of character. You have no right to tell any member to go away. This is an independent forum, and everyone has the right to express their thoughts. I can effectively counter all your arguments with facts and links, but I won't because my time is more important than, dealing with an ignorant person like yourself. I have been a silent observer, and joined this forum way long before you did. And I have come to realize all the time how you always put dull comments but never contribute anything tangible. all the best!

To be honest some facts, figures, links and articles would have been nice, maybe we would have seen something tangible instead of wild ideas like building an A380 capable runaway in the middle of Ratmalana (here is a link)http://maps.google.com.au/maps?rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU503AU503&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=ratmalana+airport&fb=1&gl=au&hq=ratmalana+airport&hnear=ratmalana+airport&cid=0,0,1820951118443118667&sa=X&ei=1aNkUffRMImjkwXDioHgBg&ved=0CKgBEPwSMAM....the length of the current runway is 2000m...if you extend it any further to accomodate an A380 you will be hitting settlements and the sea....

and yes the speed limit of 120 kmph lends itself to more developed road systems...not in Sri Lanka...on the E1 some people overtake from the right....

Maybe being a silent observer should be your thing....unless you can substantiate your claims much better

[QUOTE=Popthepuff;102086592] Addressed to GAYAN

Even the autobahns have an advised speed limit ,and the vast majority of country's expressways top speed limit is 120 kmph, which is SE speed limit is going to be raised to, which you would know if you read the newspapers.

Look here dude.... first of all learn to accept criticism. It is obvious your ego compensates for your lack of character. You have no right to tell any member to go away. This is an independent forum, and everyone has the right to express their thoughts. I can effectively counter all your arguments with facts and links, but I won't because my time is more important than, dealing with an ignorant person like yourself. I have been a silent observer, and joined this forum way long before you did. And I have come to realize all the time how you always put dull comments but never contribute anything tangible. all the best!

Sure, sure.

[QUOTE=GAYAN;102106757]

To be honest some facts, figures, links and articles would have been nice, maybe we would have seen something tangible instead of wild ideas like building an A380 capable runaway in the middle of Ratmalana (here is a link)http://maps.google.com.au/maps?rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU503AU503&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=ratmalana+airport&fb=1&gl=au&hq=ratmalana+airport&hnear=ratmalana+airport&cid=0,0,1820951118443118667&sa=X&ei=1aNkUffRMImjkwXDioHgBg&ved=0CKgBEPwSMAM....the length of the current runway is 2000m...if you extend it any further to accomodate an A380 you will be hitting settlements and the sea....

and yes the speed limit of 120 kmph lends itself to more developed road systems...not in Sri Lanka...on the E1 some people overtake from the right....

Maybe being a silent observer should be your thing....unless you can substantiate your claims much better


You seem to have missed the point my friend.. Okay forget rathmalana.. why couldnt they expand the BIA? There are daily reports as to how fuel is taken to mattala, all the way from colombo, and how UL and Mihin fly from colombo down south and back to India. Do you see the logic and economic feasibility in this or are your just retarded? Nearly 4 years after the end of the war, and what are the benefits the people have received? And whatever happened to having a 4/5th majority in parliament, after promising the people of the Right to Information Bill, the Witness Protection Act, and fair representation of women in parliament?

Maybe your out of touch buddy, but the people curse the govt. for having lavish tamashas, while our women are sent to middle east for labour. The youth in the country count the days when they can leave for greener pastures. The education budget is crumbling, there is no improvement in the tertiary education. We don't even have a proper technical university to built this country's future.

I really wouldnt have cared if your dad pays for all this, but its the people who have to bear the burden. Someone even called me a lunatic for highlighting these wasteful projects. But remember, that all great people, who had ideas during their time were called lunatics, or laughed at! So when you called me one, its a compliment.

And if hamabantota could be such a MAJOR hub it would have been the british who would have built it, not china!lol Best examples to this day are from colombo, singapore, and hong kong! I rest my case!!

[QUOTE=hellosl;102115800]


You seem to have missed the point my friend.. Okay forget rathmalana.. why couldnt they expand the BIA? There are daily reports as to how fuel is taken to mattala, all the way from colombo, and how UL and Mihin fly from colombo down south and back to India. Do you see the logic and economic feasibility in this or are your just retarded? Nearly 4 years after the end of the war, and what are the benefits the people have received? And whatever happened to having a 4/5th majority in parliament, after promising the people of the Right to Information Bill, the Witness Protection Act, and fair representation of women in parliament?

Maybe your out of touch buddy, but the people curse the govt. for having lavish tamashas, while our women are sent to middle east for labour. The youth in the country count the days when they can leave for greener pastures. The education budget is crumbling, there is no improvement in the tertiary education. We don't even have a proper technical university to built this country's future.

I really wouldnt have cared if your dad pays for all this, but its the people who have to bear the burden. Someone even called me a lunatic for highlighting these wasteful projects. But remember, that all great people, who had ideas during their time were called lunatics, or laughed at! So when you called me one, its a compliment.

And if hamabantota could be such a MAJOR hub it would have been the british who would have built it, not china!lol Best examples to this day are from colombo, singapore, and hong kong! I rest my case!!

Seems like you are quite up to date, BIA is about to go for a major face-lift worth up to $350 million and remember so called developed nations upgraded or initially built their infrastructure by the state and later was privatized.

[QUOTE=GAYAN;102141920]

Seems like you are quite up to date, BIA is about to go for a major face-lift worth up to $350 million and remember so called developed nations upgraded or initially built their infrastructure by the state and later was privatized.

I already know that.. But i was talking about the other 300 million USD that was spent! We have put the carriage before the horse. cheers!

[QUOTE=saraprobe;102143771]

I already know that.. But i was talking about the other 300 million USD that was spent! We have put the carriage before the horse. cheers!

What other 300 million (where are the facts and figures)?

And since when does Mattala have flights to India other that Bodh Gaya, which hasn't even started yet.

As mentioned the ORDER of development is messy and hence the fuel folly and I believe that they should have gotten the fuel farm ready before the airport.
Yes fuel is taken from Colombo in Oil Tankers, but if you also read the daily reports you would realize that an bunkering farm has been completed and is being pre-commissioned at the Hambantota Harbour, now the CPC is assessing whether to supply fuel via a fuel line or by road.
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/130407/news/kolonnawa-to-mria-5-tankers-of-jet-fuel-daily-for-one-or-two-flights-40364.html

Also this has to be known...those women leave because of the requirement for foreign exchange and a better livelihood. The fact is that they mostly come from rural communities, where yes life is hard, but again it's a choice, and they choose to make it so I'm not one to judge their decision.

But also people in Sri Lanka have to get over the fact that the government has to subsidise everything, provide every graduate a job, look after their every whim and fancy but have you ever heard of anyone offering anything in return or even paying their taxes properly.

If you graduate from Uni and you can't find a job in the private sector on your own skills, then as a graduate you are at fault. The countless number of students in Universities spending more than the stipulated years in University just because they get a bursary from the govt and education is free is astronomical...while they spend time in University protesting and ragging other students.

As for Universities, Sri Lankan ones except Colombo, Morattuwa and Peradeniya don't stack up because you need the University to be public-private sector partnerships to truly prosper. The fact that the government is bringing in Private Universities will greatly enhance the education landscape because it provides everyone an opportunity and keeping much needed foreign exchange in the country.

The problem is this, if you don't have these projects, the airport, the harbour, the expressways, basically the infrastructure a country doesnt develop. You need to have infrastructure in place for investors to come in. Income is derived from this infrastructure, E01 is toll and is one of the fastest assets that is paying back. The Hambantota harbour should come more in line once the bunkering facilities and gantry gates are installed by the end of this year, and yes that airport, if they position it as a transhipment/MRO hub with occasional passenger flights will make money.

This all means that if these projects start coming online, they provide employment opportunities, which means all those poor women don't have to go overseas and the youth can look at staying back.

By the way since you bought my Dad into it, he provides an income for more that 200 people on his own. What does yours do for the people of the country?

Yes the British built cities of yesteryear but that was during the colonial days and mind you Hong Kong is back under Chinese control but are doing even better, so is Macau....
Singapore was the pariah of the British Empire in South East Asia, as Malaysia once said the filth that no-one else wanted (remember Singapore wanted to be like Sri Lanka at one point and separated from Malaysia). Singapore was built through the hard work of Singaporeans, and not with the british's influence.

China will be the largest ECONOMY in the world in a few years, and they are the ones even providing countries like Sri Lanka a lifeline, be thankful for it.

And finally don't take glee in the fact that you are called a lunatic, not because of your opinions, but because of your baseless forms of reasoning.
Remember the facts and figures as well as an unbiased method of reasoning is required.

[QUOTE=GAYAN;102144146]

What other 300 million (where are the facts and figures)?

And since when does Mattala have flights to India other that Bodh Gaya, which hasn't even started yet.

As mentioned the ORDER of development is messy and hence the fuel folly and I believe that they should have gotten the fuel farm ready before the airport.
Yes fuel is taken from Colombo in Oil Tankers, but if you also read the daily reports you would realize that an bunkering farm has been completed and is being pre-commissioned at the Hambantota Harbour, now the CPC is assessing whether to supply fuel via a fuel line or by road.
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/130407/news/kolonnawa-to-mria-5-tankers-of-jet-fuel-daily-for-one-or-two-flights-40364.html

Also this has to be known...those women leave because of the requirement for foreign exchange and a better livelihood. The fact is that they mostly come from rural communities, where yes life is hard, but again it's a choice, and they choose to make it so I'm not one to judge their decision.

But also people in Sri Lanka have to get over the fact that the government has to subsidise everything, provide every graduate a job, look after their every whim and fancy but have you ever heard of anyone offering anything in return or even paying their taxes properly.

If you graduate from Uni and you can't find a job in the private sector on your own skills, then as a graduate you are at fault. The countless number of students in Universities spending more than the stipulated years in University just because they get a bursary from the govt and education is free is astronomical...while they spend time in University protesting and ragging other students.

As for Universities, Sri Lankan ones except Colombo, Morattuwa and Peradeniya don't stack up because you need the University to be public-private sector partnerships to truly prosper. The fact that the government is bringing in Private Universities will greatly enhance the education landscape because it provides everyone an opportunity and keeping much needed foreign exchange in the country.

The problem is this, if you don't have these projects, the airport, the harbour, the expressways, basically the infrastructure a country doesnt develop. You need to have infrastructure in place for investors to come in. Income is derived from this infrastructure, E01 is toll and is one of the fastest assets that is paying back. The Hambantota harbour should come more in line once the bunkering facilities and gantry gates are installed by the end of this year, and yes that airport, if they position it as a transhipment/MRO hub with occasional passenger flights will make money.

This all means that if these projects start coming online, they provide employment opportunities, which means all those poor women don't have to go overseas and the youth can look at staying back.

By the way since you bought my Dad into it, he provides an income for more that 200 people on his own. What does yours do for the people of the country?

Yes the British built cities of yesteryear but that was during the colonial days and mind you Hong Kong is back under Chinese control but are doing even better, so is Macau....
Singapore was the pariah of the British Empire in South East Asia, as Malaysia once said the filth that no-one else wanted (remember Singapore wanted to be like Sri Lanka at one point and separated from Malaysia). Singapore was built through the hard work of Singaporeans, and not with the british's influence.

China will be the largest ECONOMY in the world in a few years, and they are the ones even providing countries like Sri Lanka a lifeline, be thankful for it.

And finally don't take glee in the fact that you are called a lunatic, not because of your opinions, but because of your baseless forms of reasoning.
Remember the facts and figures as well as an unbiased method of reasoning is required.


* Over 10,900 cleared via H’tota port

Many thanks hellosl, i did not have time respond in detail, anyhow here are more details as how things come in to play as we speak,

Despite a slight decline in port activity in 2012, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority saw profits increase by 58 percent due to the 10 percent depreciation of the rupee during the year and the opening of the new port in Hambantota, the Central Bank said.

"The financial performance of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has improved significantly despite the sluggish pace of global trade as per unaudited financial data. The revenue of the SLPA increased by 24 per cent to Rs. 38.7 billion due to the commencement of operations at Magam Ruhunupura Mahinda Rajapaksa (MRMR) Port and also due to the net depreciation of the rupee against the dollar by around 10 percent during 2012. The operating expenditure increased by 11.5 per cent to Rs. 25.6 billion in 2012. The operating profit of the SLPA increased by 58 per cent in 2012 to Rs. 13.1 billion compared to Rs. 8.3 billion in 2011," noted the 2012 Central Bank Annual Report released earlier this week.

"Ports activities reflected a slight decline in 2012. The slow pace of global economic recovery and the reduction in domestic import trade due to tight monetary and fiscal policy measures adopted at the beginning of the year, adversely affected the performance of the ports sector," the Central Bank said.

"Total container handling fell by 1.8 per cent to 4.2 million twenty foot equivalent container units (TEUs) in 2012 from 4.3 million TEUs in 2011. Transshipment handling fell only marginally. Total cargo handling remained unchanged at 65.1 million metric tons.

"The total number of vessels arriving at the port of Colombo reflected a decline, but the gross tonnage of container ships that called during the year increased by 3.6 per cent reflecting the arrival of larger ships.

"Construction of Phase I of the Hambantota Port was completed in December 2011 and port operations commenced during 2012. As an effective measure to ease the long berthing delays experienced by Roll on-Roll off (Ro-Ro) vessels at the Port of Colombo, it was decided to route all such vessels to the MRMR Port and the first Ro-Ro vessel operation at the port was carried out on 06 June 2012. Accordingly 4,388 transshipment vehicles were handled at MRMR port in addition to 6,515 vehicles cleared for local usage.

"Seven investors have been selected and approvals of the Cabinet of Ministers have been obtained for setting up of Sugar, Petrochemical, Fertilizer, Cement and Warehousing ventures within the port. One business venture is to commence construction shortly, while the agreements with others were being finalised by end 2012. Owing to the high demand for investment opportunities in the port, the second Request for Proposals (RFP) was floated this year. In this round, ten investment proposals are currently being evaluated. The construction of fourteen oil tanks under the Bunkering Facilities and Tank Farm Project in Hambantota were nearing completion by end 2012 and are expected to be commissioned shortly. Phase II of the Port Project was commenced in November 2012 and is scheduled to be completed by end 2015.

"The Colombo South Port project was in progress in 2012. Construction of the main breakwater and the secondary breakwater were completed in April 2012 and harbour infrastructure was nearly completed and the first 450 meters of terminal is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2013.

"Considering the capacity constraints that are prevalent in the Colombo Port, old buildings adjacent to the Jaya Container Terminal were demolished and the domestic container stacking area was expanded to accommodate a further 8,000 TEUs. Vessel productivity levels were also greatly improved in 2012 through the procurement of new equipment including ship-to-shore gantry cranes, rubber tyred gantry cranes and yard tractors. Educational and awareness programmes were conducted throughout the year to help improve the knowledge and skills of staff at operational level, to improve overall productivity," the Central Bank said.


Island (http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=76677)

Clearly these report shows how everyone can benefit not just who are in the western province and as projects like this create jobs, and not to mentioned a person like James packer is not crazy to consider SL to build a casino!

Lets stop arguing with him and crowding up this forum guys.

Lets stop arguing with him and crowding up this forum guys.

Looks like I've been missing out on a lot...:rofl:

Looks like I've been missing out on a lot...:rofl:

Yeah don't worry, this happens every month or so, there may be another one soon. :lol:

Yeah don't worry, this happens every month or so, there may be another one soon. :lol:
:nuts::nuts::nuts::bash::bash::bash::ohno::ohno::ohno::lol::lol::lol:

Economic punches and developmental disappointments might have bruised and battered Mahinda Rajapaksa’s once enormous popularity among Sinhala masses. Yet a considerable part of it still endures. There is nothing outlandish about this; despotic leaders are usually popular, for a while, before the devastating costs of their rule become manifest. Vellupillai Pirapaharan was popular in his time. So was Adolf Hitler, until the Americans’ daylight carpet-bombing of German cities and the Red Army’s arrival on the borders of the Thousand Year Reich compelled ordinary Germans to realise the inevitability of a defeat on a Götterdämmerung scale.

Mahinda Rajapaksa is popular among Sinhala masses because his promise of ushering a developmental Shangri la is believed, still. He has credibility because the 30 year Eelam War came to a victorious conclusion under his leadership. The non-appearance of the much anticipated peace dividend and the consequent exacerbation of economic hardships have dented, somewhat, the hope of a richer tomorrow. But a huge chunk of the Sinhala South still clings to the belief that the Rajapaksas can and will deliver the promised felicitous future.


The Siblings would know the importance of keeping that faith alive. They would also know that economic outrages, such as the electricity rates hike, can cause serious fissures in that belief.

The Rajapaksa development strategy is an amalgam of economic neo-liberalism and state capitalism. Their stirring populist rhetoric serves to cover a gamut of policies which are iniquitous, viscerally. The Siblings follow a tax-borrow-and-spend approach, with crucial differences. Their taxing is of the indirect variety, targeting essential goods and services; therefore a disproportionate share of the tax-burden falls not on the rich but on those clinging to the bottom half of the income-totem pole. When it comes to spending on popular needs, the Siblings are deficit hawks. But they spend, limitlessly, on megalomaniacal projects with nary a benefit to the economy at large, or to the people in general.
Mihin Air, which never made a profit in its entire existence, is an excellent symbol of the counter-developmental effects of Rajapaksa development. So is the highway craze. The Southern Highway is costing the nation an annual loss of Rs. 5.5 billion; according to Prof. Amal Kumarage of the Transport and Logistics Management Department of the Moratuwa University, “The annual revenue collected from vehicles using the Expressway is approximately Rs 1 billion, whereas the maintenance and debt service cost is around Rs 6.5 billion” (Ceylon Today – 29.3.2013). That Rs.5.5 billion could have been used to improve feeder roads, rural roads and public transportation. But the Rajapaksas are as unconcerned about popular needs as they are blasé about economic logic. All they care about is their power and their glory.

Mattala Madness

Mattala Mahinda Rajapaksa Airport is a metaphor, not just for Rajapaksa development but also for Rajapaksa Rule.
The Mattala Airport was built not to fulfil a national, regional or developmental need but to satiate a Rajapaksa desire. In Rajapaksa Sri Lanka, the premier international airport cannot be named after a bygone ruler (especially since his retired-daughter remains a bit of a headache). Since the name of the Katunayake airport cannot be changed from Bandaranaike to Rajapaksa without creating some unfavourable flutters in the SLFP, the obvious way out is to build a new airport and name it after the new rulers. The long term Rajapaksa plans might include turning Hambantota into Lanka’s administrative capital (after changing its name to Sri Rajapaksa Pura). The plan to shift the National Lotteries Board to Hambantota might be the beginning of a generalised transfer of state institutions to the new epicentre.
A new capital would need a new airport.

Passengers and airlines are not exactly flocking to Mattala. But birds are. Mattale airport is close to the time immemorial flight-paths of migratory birds. Then there are peacocks – the symbol of God Kataragma/Skanda, and sacred alike to Sinhala-Buddhists and Tamil-Hindus; plus elephants and other wild animals.

Already two airlines have had close encounters of the avian kind. If the word gets around, not even the most outrageous concessions would succeed in attracting international airlines to Mattala.

Thus the launching of a new ‘humanitarian operation’, to turn Mattala into a bird-and-animal-free-zone. It includes plans to closedown waterholes and destroy feeding-grounds in the area which have sustained the bird and animal populations for millennia.

http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/the-idiotic-gene/

i was really feel sorry about this writer. one can clearly see his hatred towards rajapakshas'. so pathetic.

i was really feel sorry about this writer. one can clearly see his hatred towards rajapakshas'. so pathetic.
I stopped reading after the first 2 sentences.

Apr 22, Colombo: Dubai based airline, flydubai, will start scheduled operations to its second destination in Sri Lanka, the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota, on 21 May 2013.

The carrier announced that in addition to their current daily flights to Colombo, it will start three-times a week service on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport from 21 May 2013 and on a daily basis from June.

The airline would be the second international carrier to fly to Hambantota after Air Arabia.

More than 30 percent of flydubai's total passenger traffic to Sri Lanka in 2012 was connecting traffic from Central and Eastern European countries and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Southern and Eastern tourism will receive a major boost with this move.

The carrier launched flights to Colombo in July 2010 with a four-times weekly service. Following increased demand this rose to five times a week two months later, before daily operations began in March 2012.

Flights to Hambantota will operate three-times a week from 21 May 2013leaving Dubai on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 2250hrs, landing in Mattala International Airport at 0635hrs local time following a stop in Colombo at 0555hrs.

The return flight, direct to Dubai departs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0730hrs, arriving in Dubai at 1050hrs local time.

http://www.colombopage.com/archive_13A/Apr22_1366646054JV.php

i was really feel sorry about this writer. one can clearly see his hatred towards rajapakshas'. so pathetic.

Yeah just like Gayan!