A special high-level discussion aimed at promoting education related to the civil aviation sector among the youth of the Northern Province was held today – on Thursday 19 February 2026. This was followed by a direct field visit to the Jaffna International Airport in Palaly.
The high-level delegation comprised the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Hon. Anura Karunathilaka; Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Hon. Engineer Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku; Secretary to the Ministry, W.W.S. Mangala; Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, Sunil Jayaratne; and the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Thaminda Rambukwella. The delegation arrived in the Northern Province today and was officially welcomed by the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
Subsequently, under the chairmanships of the Minister, Deputy Minister, and the Governor, a special high-level discussion was held at the Governor’s Secretariat focusing on encouraging civil aviation–related education among Northern Province youth and creating new opportunities in the sector.
Following the discussion, the high-level delegation visited the Jaffna International Airport in Palaly for an on-site inspection. Officials briefed the delegation on the daily services and operational activities carried out at the airport. The current requirements of the airport, ongoing construction work, and future development plans were also discussed in detail. The Minister and the accompanying high-level officials personally inspected the ongoing construction activities at the site.
