The department said the proposal was first submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as Defense Minister and Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Xinhua news agency reported.

Currently, under the management of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Hingurakgoda Airport is set to be developed in accordance with international civil aviation standards. According to the department, a committee has been appointed to prepare the master plan for the airport and other related works.

Hingurakgoda Airport was originally known as the Royal Air Force Minneriya Airport, dating back to the Second World War, which served as a base for the British Royal Air Force. Since then it has been used as a military airbase.