A major step forward in modernizing Sri Lanka’s aviation infrastructure has been announced, with the Cabinet of Ministers granting approval to award the contract for the construction of a state-of-the-art Airfield Facility Complex at Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana (CIAR).
The project, valued at Rs. 3,046.29 million (excluding VAT), has been awarded to Sanken Constructions (Pvt) Ltd., one of Sri Lanka’s leading construction firms. The selection followed recommendations by the Procurement Evaluation Committee and the High-Level Standing Procurement Committee.
According to Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, the development aims to strengthen the country’s Air Traffic Management (ATM) infrastructure, improving safety, efficiency, and foreign exchange revenue.
Sri Lanka’s airspace plays a vital role in the Asia-Pacific Air Traffic Services Network, covering an area nearly 27 times the size of the country’s landmass. Over 300 aircraft movements take place daily within this air corridor, generating approximately USD 1 million (around Rs. 3.5 billion) in annual foreign exchange revenue through overflying service charges.
Currently, air traffic control services are operated from an ageing colonial-era building at Ratmalana Airport. The new Air Navigation Complex will replace this outdated facility, enabling the implementation of advanced air traffic management systems and expanding Sri Lanka’s capabilities in global aviation operations.
