Flights Between Katunayake and Colombo Launched via Beira Lake

Domestic Air Travel Resumes Between Colombo and Katunayake via Beira Lake Water Aerodrome

A new domestic air travel service between Colombo and Katunayake was officially launched today (October 3) under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake, by using the Beira Lake as a water aerodrome.

This initiative marks another step in the government’s program to promote domestic air travel as part of its broader plan to develop the tourism industry.

Cinnamon Air, currently the only operator of water aerodrome services in Sri Lanka, will operate these flights. The service is expected to provide tourists and business travelers arriving at the Bandaranaike International Airport with a convenient and time-saving option to reach Colombo city efficiently.

The inaugural flight, operated by a Cinnamon Air Cessna 208 aircraft, flew from Katunayake Airport to Cinnamon Lakeside Pier in Colombo, carrying several dignitaries including Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku, Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, and Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority Sunil Jayaratne. The flight was piloted by Captain Indika Premadasa, assisted by First Officer Isuru Munasinghe.

Speaking at the event, Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated:
“As a government, we are committed to developing domestic aviation. We invite airlines like Cinnamon Air to expand their services to regional airports such as Palaly, and we will extend our fullest support.”

Cinnamon Air, a subsidiary of the John Keells Group, currently operates flights to 10 domestic tourist destinations including Kandy, Batticaloa, Sigiriya, Koggala, Weerawila, Hatton, and Trincomalee, providing valuable connectivity for the tourism sector.

SriLankan Airlines had earlier introduced water aerodrome services in 2011/2012, but these operations were discontinued due to strict security regulations at the time. With the change of government and the relaxation of regulations, a favorable environment has now been created for such services to resume, contributing positively to the tourism industry.

The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that 22 water aerodromes across Sri Lanka have now been approved for operations following inspections. Plans are also underway to introduce similar water aerodrome services to Colombo Port City and to establish two new helicopter landing sites in Colombo.

Today’s event was attended by Minister Bimal Rathnayake, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku, Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuiyakontha, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority Sunil Jayaratne, Chairman of John Keells Group Krishan Balendra, and senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Tourism, and Cinnamon Air.