President Orders Faster Completion of Katunayake Airport Capacity Expansion Projects
COLOMBO, October 28, 2026 — President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed officials to accelerate projects aimed at increasing passenger capacity and improving facilities at Katunayake International Airport, while preparing other domestic airports to meet future requirements.
The instructions were issued during a discussion on the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation’s 2027 Budget proposals, held at the Presidential Secretariat on October 27.
The President reviewed progress on airport development projects, with particular attention to ongoing work to accommodate more passengers and improve convenience for air travellers.
Discussions also covered supporting infrastructure, including the expansion of road networks to complement development at Katunayake Airport.
President Dissanayake emphasised that airport development should extend beyond Katunayake, with domestic airports across the country upgraded in line with future needs.
The meeting examined the progress of passenger capacity and facility improvement projects at airports nationwide.
Those attending included Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, and Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janith Ruwan Kodituwakku.
Senior officials from the Presidential Secretariat, Treasury, Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation, Department of National Budget and other relevant institutions also participated.
