Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
Last Updated : 2024-04-29 02:09:00
10 December 2019 07:40 am - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The government hopes to call for fresh bids from foreign investors to manage the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), as the airport will be used mostly to transport air freight for the Free Trade Zone which will be set up in close proximity, Industrial Export, Investment Promotion and Civil Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga told the Daily Mirror yesterday.
Ranatunga said while the government would have total ownership of the airport, they will open bids for a foreign company to manage it.
The Daily Mirror learns that the previous government was in talks with India to manage the airport, but no final decision was reached.
The airport was also dubbed a 'white elephant' project by the previous UNF government and termed as the 'world's loneliest airport'.
Minister Ranatunga said a Free Trade Zone will be set up in Mattala with international investments and the MRIA will be vital for air freight.
It will also help boost tourism in the area as the government will look to invite international airlines to land there.
"MRIA was totally neglected by the previous government as they did not do anything with it. However we now hope to develop it further and use it to its potential," Ranatunga said.
The Daily Mirror learns that the new government will also look to further develop the airports in Jaffna and Batticaloa to strengthen internal transportation.
A cabinet paper in this regard will be submitted soon after the general elections. (JAMILA HUSAIN)
People Tuesday, 10 December 2019 07:45 AM
why you build this?
Hawkeye Tuesday, 10 December 2019 09:49 AM
The MRIA was never intended to be an airport catering to passenger traffic. The primary purpose was utilization as a cargo hub
Lokusalli Tuesday, 10 December 2019 10:18 AM
No one will take on this white elephant for you ...accept the fact that along with the cricket ground it was a vanity project ..I have used it ,and it was quicker to drive to Banderanaike Airport from Tangalle ,than to drive to Mattale ,wait for the flight to Colombo,and go through immigration once there
Economist Tuesday, 10 December 2019 10:21 AM
Please scrap MATTALA. You will be dumping money into it with no returns. Better late than never. Take this bold step.
Ice Tuesday, 10 December 2019 12:24 PM
Very true. I wonder why this gov has to spend more money on Mattala Airport, when everyone knows the facts. Why not call bids to improve BIA?
moda yakka Tuesday, 10 December 2019 10:30 AM
For your losing masters to store garbage
Jayantha Tuesday, 10 December 2019 10:37 AM
This is a very good idea . The airport is already built and we might as well try to put it to good use - but definitely not for storing paddy .
Lion Tuesday, 10 December 2019 11:17 AM
Dear I doubt your intentions since we know who you are and what you after listening to the telephone conversation you had with your client.
roland.boniface Tuesday, 10 December 2019 11:34 AM
Why only the airport, it should be for the entire area. Should be a person or company who has an in depth knowledge on wild life as it is infested with peacocks, cattle etc
Andrew Silva Tuesday, 10 December 2019 11:37 AM
This Air Port was built with out any plans, it is a white elephant now. You give it to a foreign company they will do,the calculations and say it won't be profitable,for a number of years. Sri Lanka won't get a penny for at least 10 years. When the profits start to come 3/4 will go to their country and we might get 1/4 if we are lucky. This is exactly what is happening to other countries with foreign investments.
Borat Tuesday, 10 December 2019 11:37 AM
So now Rajapaksas or ranatunges can form dummy company and manage it
Robert R Tuesday, 10 December 2019 11:40 AM
Isn't it possible to use by local base aeronautical firm s to train youngsters or universities to start courses related that field
Parakum Tuesday, 10 December 2019 11:55 AM
Give the RUHUNA to Chinese to make it a capitol with an Airport
Wesley Wednesday, 11 December 2019 01:35 PM
why China is not start a flight to Mattala at least 3 times a week, like India flying to Jaffna, as they are the masters of H'tota port
Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.
Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
US authorities are currently reviewing the manifest of every cargo aboard MV
On March 26, a couple arriving from Thailand was arrested with 88 live animal
According to villagers from Naula-Moragolla out of 105 families 80 can afford
Is the situation in Sri Lanka so grim that locals harbour hope that they coul
26 Apr 2024
26 Apr 2024
