COMMANDER LEADS TEST LANDING IN HINGURAKGODA RUNWAY TRANSFORMATION
6:20pm on Monday 13th January 2025
The transformation of the Hingurakgoda runway is currently in progress to meet international standards and accommodate widely utilized A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft operations. After extensive consultations with key stakeholders, the SLAF was entrusted with the design and construction of the runway. The Road Development Authority (RDA) has been assigned to review SLAF’s designs and provide consultations, while the Civil Aviation Authority and Airports and Aviation Sri Lanka will issue essential guidelines and regulatory frameworks through a cabinet memorandum.
The project was officially inaugurated on 19 August 2024, by the Special Project Management Unit of the SLAF. The ambitious plan is divided into four distinct phases, with the first phase focusing on the construction of the main runway. This phase includes seven stages and the initial allocation of funds facilitated the completion of stages one and two, resulting in the asphalt binder course for 850 meters of the total 2,500-meter runway.
Prior to proceeding with the final asphalt wearing course, the RDA consultant team recommended conducting a test landing on the completed 850-meter section. A Y-12 aircraft, piloted by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, successfully conducted the test landing today (13 January 2025) marking a significant milestone in the project. The event was attended by the Director of the Special Project Management Unit, Air Vice Marshal Sumedha Silva and the Base Commander of SLAF Base Hingurakgoda, Air Commodore Dinesh Jayaweera.
The next stage of construction, which involves extending the runway by another 850 meters, is scheduled to begin on 15 January 2025. With approval granted by His Excellency the President, the project aims to complete the full 2,500-meter runway, ensuring it meets the operational requirements of larger aircraft.
The project was officially inaugurated on 19 August 2024, by the Special Project Management Unit of the SLAF. The ambitious plan is divided into four distinct phases, with the first phase focusing on the construction of the main runway. This phase includes seven stages and the initial allocation of funds facilitated the completion of stages one and two, resulting in the asphalt binder course for 850 meters of the total 2,500-meter runway.
Prior to proceeding with the final asphalt wearing course, the RDA consultant team recommended conducting a test landing on the completed 850-meter section. A Y-12 aircraft, piloted by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, successfully conducted the test landing today (13 January 2025) marking a significant milestone in the project. The event was attended by the Director of the Special Project Management Unit, Air Vice Marshal Sumedha Silva and the Base Commander of SLAF Base Hingurakgoda, Air Commodore Dinesh Jayaweera.
The next stage of construction, which involves extending the runway by another 850 meters, is scheduled to begin on 15 January 2025. With approval granted by His Excellency the President, the project aims to complete the full 2,500-meter runway, ensuring it meets the operational requirements of larger aircraft.
