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Govt. to get Russian, Chinese flights to Mattala

20 Apr 2012 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lankan aviation authorities will meet Chinese and Russian aviation officials to negotiate for an increase in flights to Sri Lanka and to request that these flights land at the Hambantota Mattala Airport to be opened in November.

A Civil Aviation Ministry source said European markets had cut down on flights to Sri Lanka as many tourists considered it to be an expensive destination. He said this had compelled Sri Lanka to seek and improve alternative markets.

He said Sri Lanka’s close allies and world super powers China and Russia fit the bill.

Sri Lanka is expected to negotiate with China and Russia for an increase in tourist arrivals and flights to Sri Lanka before the opening of the Mattala Airport.

The construction of the airport is almost complete with about 90 per cent of the airfield, the surrounding road network and a water tower nearing completion. The airport control tower, passenger terminal, cargo terminal and fire and rescue facilities are about 50 per cent complete. Mattala Airport spreading across a 2,000 hectare land area is being built at an estimated cost of USD 209 million.

Meanwhile the Ports Authority recently announced it would divert all vehicle imports from the Colombo Port to the Hambantota Port because of the ample space available and shorter turnaround delays. (Olindhi Jayasundere)

Breaking News

Govt. to get Russian, Chinese flights to Mattala

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