Call to position Sri Lanka as a gateway to Asia

The Shippers' Academy Colombo has organised a forum, to discuss the developing aviation industry in Sri Lanka which will have direct impact on tourism and logistics.

The aviation industry in Sri Lanka is in its nascent stage and opportunities are now opening as the policy makers are expanding infrastructure projects to make Sri Lanka a gateway to Asia.

The vision of the government is to make aviation one of the parallel hubs along with other sectors.

Whilst the BIA at Katunayake is on an expansion drive, the Government is planning to open the Hambantota International Airport(HIA) in Maththala in 2012 in addition to developing domestic airports and air services.

Already RFPs have been called for from private investors to various projects and the Airport, Aviation chief is keen to have a constructive dialogue with the industry to build the policy framework and incorporate valuable input to achieve the desired goals.

Chairman, Airport Aviation Services (AASL) will address the industry on this subject on March 9, from 9 am to 11.30 am at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and give an opportunity to the trade to interact with AASL officials to seek investment opportunities and clarify matters regarding the industry.