HONG KONG, April 4 (Reuters) - Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd., Hong Kong's main carrier, plans to resume flights to and from Sri Lanka's capital on April 22, which were suspended after a rebel plane bombed an air force base next to Colombo's international airport.

Asia's third-largest carrier said in a statement on Wednesday it would resume daily flights -- suspended in March -- after a pre-dawn attack by a Tamil Tiger light aircraft that dropped bombs on an air force base by the civilian airport -- 23 miles (37 km) north of the capital.

Three airmen were killed and 16 wounded in that attack.

"Safety is always our top priority," Chief Operating Officer Tony Tyler said.

"Now that enhanced security measures are being put in place, we are happy to be able to resume flights to the country."

It was the first such air strike by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, who have vowed to carry out more.

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