Jun 28, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa Thursday instructed the relevant officials to commence constructions on a proposed domestic airport in the central hill country.

In a meeting held today at the Temple Trees to discuss the proposed domestic airport in Nuwara Eliya, the President instructed the officials to earmark a suitable block of land for the airport and start construction within this year.

President Rajapakse pointed out that a domestic airport will lead to develop tourism industry in the Nuwara Eliya district.

Nuwara Eliya, known as "Little England" is one of Sri Lanka's major tourist hot spot and the government aims to boost tourism in the area through the construction of the airport.

The progress on the construction of the second international airport in Mattala of Hambantota district was also discussed at the meeting.

Ministers Keheliya Rambukwella, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Priyankara Jayaratne, Central Province governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Chief of Staff Gamini Senarath, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, and Commander of Air Force Air Marshal H.D. Abeywickrema also participated in the meeting.

(Photos by Chandana Perera)