The Sri Lankan government has decided to convert the Weerawila airfield to a modernized domestic aviation hub, Daily News reported Monday.

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Chairman Paddy Mendis said that studies are being carried out for improving the Weerawila airfield and using it as a principal destination in domestic aviation.

The Weerawila airfield has for a long time been used by the Air Force for its aviation activities, the report said.

"We are planning to expand the existing airport by building a completely new airfield and equip it with modern facilities. The construction work is set to commence in April," he said.

According to Mendis, the project is estimated to cost around 60 million rupee (around 600,000 U.S. dollars).

Source: Xinhua