Jaffna International airport opening: NEC sends warning signal over political air

The National Elections Commission (NEC) has warned politicians taking part in the opening of Jaffna International Airport, in Palaly, on October 17, not to use the occasion to take political advantage.

Jaffna Assistant Elections Commissioner R. C. Amalaraj said, as the election date had been announced, it would be a violation of election laws, if any politician used the occasion for political gain. “As such, we appeal to them not to do so.”

A team of Indian technical experts are expected on October 15, to inspect the airport’s runway and give a final report to the Indian Government, as the flights that will initially operate, to and from the airport, belong to Alliance Air, which is a subsidiary of Indian National Carrier Air India.

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Director General H.M.C. Nimalasiri told the Sunday Times that all the groundwork had been completed for the airport. “We have completed all necessary arrangements to commission the airport on the 17th. The Indian Government also gave clearance to operate 7 flights a week, between Palali and India,” he noted.

He further added that two CAA officials will, initially, be responsible to oversee operations at t he air p o r t . Meanwhile, Controller General of Immigration P. Rathnayake said 15 Immigration officials will be sent from Colombo for Immigration duties at the airport. "They will be temporarily accommodated by the Army, until their official quarters are completed," he added.