Ratmalana airport gets Rs. 3 Bn boost for airfield upgrade, handles first MRO operation

The government has approved an investment of over Rs. 3 billion for the construction of a new airfield facility complex at the Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana.

Approval for the project was granted at a recent Cabinet meeting, authorizing the commencement of the procurement process to build the new facility. Bids were invited under the National Competitive Procurement Procedure, and nine bidders submitted proposals.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation to award the contract to Sanken Construction (Private) Limited, the lowest responsive bidder, for Rs. 3,046.29 million (excluding VAT), based on the recommendations of the Procurement Evaluation Committee and the High-Level Standing Procurement Committee.

Meanwhile, Ratmalana Airport also marked a milestone by accommodating a Canadian-registered Cessna aircraft from Indonesia, brought in by Ceylon Aeronautical Services (CAS) for a comprehensive maintenance program.

This development officially positions Ratmalana Airport as a venue for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations in Sri Lanka.