It was decided at a high-level discussion held at the Northern Provincial Governor’s Secretariat to launch a large-scale initiative to raise awareness among youth in rural areas of the Northern Province about civil aviation education, and to establish a special exhibition hall at Palali Airport to foster greater interest in the sector among young people.
The official event to relaunch the project aimed at raising awareness among youth in the Northern Province about the civil aviation sector was held yesterday evening – on Thursday, 19 February 2026, at the Governor’s Secretariat. The event was held under the chairmanship of the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Hon. Anura Karunathilaka, the Governor of the Northern Province, Hon. N. Vethanayahan, and the Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku.
Delivering the welcome address at the event, the Northern Province Governor expressed his gratitude to the Government and the Minister for taking steps to raise awareness among the youth of the Northern Province about the civil aviation sector. Emphasizing that this is a much-needed initiative for the North, he assured that the full cooperation of the provincial administration would be extended to ensure broad awareness among young people regarding education and employment opportunities in the sector. He further stated that the expansion of Palaly Airport and the development of Kangesanthurai Port remain among the greatest aspirations of the people of the North.
In his opening remarks, Minister Hon. Anura Karunathilaka stated that the relaunch of this awareness-raising initiative for the youth of the Northern Province marks a highly significant moment. Pointing out that there is a lack of awareness among young people about the civil aviation sector, he noted that Sri Lanka holds a unique position in the field and offers ample employment opportunities. He emphasized that this information must reach youth in every corner of the North and that they should be made aware of opportunities in the sector beyond traditional forms of employment. He further stated that, as mentioned by the Governor, steps are being taken to develop Palali Airport. The Minister also announced that work is underway to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding for the development of Kankesanthurai Port, with financial assistance of USD 63.5 million from the Government of India, and that the agreement is expected to be signed in the near future.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku emphasized the need to bridge the gap between the current education system and emerging employment opportunities in the civil aviation sector. He further noted that over the next decade, demand in the sector is expected to triple compared to current levels.
In his address, the Secretary to the Ministry, W.W.S. Mangala, stated that the awareness initiative has been reintroduced with the objective of transforming the prevailing perception that education in the civil aviation sector is confined to Colombo and accessible only to the economically privileged. He emphasized that the project seeks to create opportunities for individuals from all segments of society to enter the sector.
Speaking at the event, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Daminda Rambukwella, stated that the project has been resumed in the Northern Province in line with the pledge made in the Government’s election manifesto. He also announced that a domestic terminal at Katunayake International Airport will be opened in the near future.
During the open discussion that followed, the Principal of Jaffna Hindu College, R. Senthilmaran, stated that a civil aviation industry club has been established at his school. He emphasized the need for extensive awareness programmes, noting that many students lack clarity about the types of careers available in the field, where and how to pursue relevant education, and the qualifications required. He further suggested that it would be most beneficial to introduce such educational courses within the Northern Province itself, enabling young people in the region to access these opportunities without difficulty.
Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Sunil Jayaratne stated that the Governor could take the initiative to establish a college in the Northern Province dedicated to civil aviation education, with investment support from the Tamil diaspora.
Jaffna District Coordination Committee Chairman and coordinator, S. Kabilan, stated that, given that wartime memories remain deeply embedded in the minds of parents in the Northern Province, it is essential to take steps to inspire interest and confidence among the youth in the civil aviation sector. He also requested that facilities be arranged to make it easier for young people to visit Palali Airport by facilitating its use for civilian purposes.
At the conclusion of the discussion, it was decided to raise awareness about civil aviation education among school students through the Northern Provincial Department of Education, to establish a display room at Palaly Airport to generate interest in the sector, and to implement other awareness activities gradually and continuously.
The discussion was attended by the Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province, the Provincial Director of Education – Northern Province, a representative from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Jaffna, District Managers from the National Apprenticeship and Vocational Training Authority, the Jaffna Institute of Higher Technology, the Vocational Training Authority, the National Youth Services Council, as well as many students and other participants.
