26.11.2008

ImageThe state owned budget airline ‘Mihin Lanka’ will resume flight operation from the 15th of next month, and will show progress within three months, Minister of Ports and Aviation, Chamal Rajapaksa said in Parliament yesterday (25).

Delivering his speech on the debate at the committee stage of the budget of his Ministry, Minister Rajapaksa said that the Government has made all the necessary arrangements towards formulating a ‘National Aviation and a shipping policy’ adding that national policy would be submitted for the cabinet approval in January.

He said that several steps have been taken to expedite the development activities of the Colombo harbor to serve as one of the best harbors in South-East Asia.

The Minister also noted that the Ports in Hambantota will be built to cater to the growing demands of the transit vessels as a ‘service hub’.

In addition, Minister of Aviation, Rajapaksa said that the Bandaranaike International Air-Port will be modernized and equiped with all the latest technological appliances.

A presidential commission will be appointed to look into to the naval affairs and a Citizens charter will be introduced to the Ministry, Mr. Rajapaksa said.