Flight services between Katunayake and Colombo were officially launched today (03 October) using Beira Lake as a water aerodrome, under the patronage of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Ratnayake.
The Colombo-Katunayake route is being reintroduced as part of the government’s program to expand domestic air travel and boost tourism. Cinnamon Airlines, a subsidiary of the John Keells Group, will operate the flights.
Cinnamon Airlines already operates flights to 10 destinations including Nuwara Eliya, Batticaloa, Sigiriya, Koggala, Weerawila, Hatton, and Trincomalee. The Civil Aviation Authority announced that in addition to Beira Lake, inspections are underway for operations at Colombo Port City, along with plans for two new heliports in the city.
Currently, 22 inland airports have been approved for domestic operations following inspections. Officials stressed that the expansion of air connectivity is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministries of Tourism and Defense to further strengthen Sri Lanka’s aviation and tourism industries.
