He was addressing media after participating in an observation tour of the Ratmalana Airport yesterday (March 3).

Ratmalana Airport is mainly being used for security related activities especially by the Air Force.

“The Government will look into possibilities to carry out inland passenger transportation from Ratmalana Airport as far as such activities do not affect the national security,” the Minister said.

Under this, flights will be operated to inland destinations such as the North and East, South and a few other tourist destinations.

“We have already discussed to conduct flights to tourist destinations with inland tour and airline operators. However, priority will definitely be given to the national security since it is above all other activities,” the Minister said.

Mr. Ranatunga said the Ministry took measures to recover outstanding amount of Rs. 24 million from Cosmos Aviation Services, a Pilot Training and Flight School for using Ratmalana Airport for a certain period.

The Ministry will take a decision whether that company will be allowed to obtain facilities of the Ratmalana Airport further.

The Minister said certain persons, who don’t have planes have aircraft hangars but the persons, who really have aircraft are undergoing difficulties since they don’t have aircraft hangar. (priu)