MRIA to be developed as cargo import-export service hub

22 December 2020 12:37 pm - 5 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) would be developed as a hub for cargo import and export services in addition to developing it as a foreign tourist destination, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

He said that special attention had been paid to this when making MRIA as an active airport.

“Prior to the COVID-19 spread in the country, a special programme was implemented to turn MRIA into an active airport. With the opening of the country to tourists, the government is now focusing on reactivating the programme,” he said.

Minister Ranatunga said that it has been decided to open both the Katunayake and Mattala airports for tourists.

MRIA was also used to bring the Sri Lankans who are stranded abroad.

Accordingly, the number of passenger operations carried out at the MRIA from January to November this year was 15,039.

The Minister said a total of 396 aircraft have touched down at the MRIA and the total volume of cargo handled was 83,654 kg.

The government has taken steps to waive off airport fee at the Mattala Airport in a bid to attract new airlines, he said.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)

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Comments - 5

BigEars Tuesday, 22 December 2020 01:39 PM

What a sad state of affairs. The Mattala Airport has been built with no business plan. Now they want to use it for cargo. Waste of public funds.

Esther Cohen, Europe Tuesday, 22 December 2020 01:47 PM

Covid 19 is exploding here in Europe!!!!!!! For God sake, protect Sri Lanka

AB Tuesday, 22 December 2020 07:12 PM

Is there any connection between ,spreading virus so fast and burying Covid dead in Europe

Hawkeye Tuesday, 22 December 2020 07:11 PM

Big Ears but a very tiny brain ... from the outset MRIA was planned primarily as a cargo centric airport

O B Server Tuesday, 22 December 2020 07:58 PM

The Western Province is where export items are produced. It is also where imported items are consumed. The intracountry shipment costs will be paid for by the exporters and the consumers. Good economic thinking.

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MRIA to be developed as cargo import-export service hub

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