Minister of Ports, Navigation, and Aviation Services, Nimal Siripala de Silva says 50 apprentice air traffic controllers will be recruited on the 16th to address the shortage of air traffic controllers.

After undergoing training, these individuals will be hired as air traffic controllers. The minister has also assured that the problem of the shortage of air traffic controllers will be resolved soon.

The Ministry of Ports, Navigation, and Aviation Services has reported that aircraft operations require the services of 148 controllers. However, only 79 controllers are currently working at the air traffic control centers located near the Katunayake, Mattala, Ratmalana, Jaffna, and Batticaloa airports. As a result of the shortage, existing air traffic controllers are working around the clock to cover all necessary duties.