• A new program to attract tourists to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.
• Plans to introduce Tourism Packages.
• Air cargo operations to be expanded.

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is set to attract more tourists. Accordingly, steps will be taken to introduce tourism packages in the future, said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga.

Special relief packages have already been introduced for flights operating at Mattala International Airport. The airport has been exempted from export tax for a period of two years and has also been given one year concession period for landing and parking charges. The Minister said that a special attention has been paid to improve the hotel facilities associated with the airport in promoting Mattala International Airport as a tourist attraction.

The government is also working to improve facilities at the Mattala Airport. Arrangements have been made to modernize the existing maintenance building to establish a one stop cargo screening facility. Cabinet approval has been obtained for this purpose. It is also planning to start aircraft repairs, with the aim of providing services to foreign aircraft. Minor maintenances of aircrafts are expected to be done at the Mattala Airport in the near future. A feasibility study has also been conducted to operate the aircraft maintenance and engine repairs at Mattala. The Minister also stated that steps are being taken to complete the relevant infrastructure and other facilities.

Air cargo operations are also expected to be expanded at Mattala Rajapaksa Airport. Accordingly, it is planned to operate 06 cargo planes per week in the future, said Minister, Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga. SriLankan Airlines has already commenced cargo handling services. About 07 aircrafts, including 03 wide body aircrafts, have been deployed for cargo transport. The Minister further stated that steps are being taken to make Mattala Rajapaksa Airport a more active airport within the next year.