The special SriLankan airlines flight carrying President Rajapaksa landed at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport a short while ago. With the President arriving as the first passenger the MRIA was declared open a short while ago.
Construction on the $209 million first phase of the airport began in November 2009. The new international airport is expected to expand the local aviation industry whilst being a catalyst for the country’s economic development enabling international trade, tourism, vocational training and employment. It is being implemented as an eco-friendly project.
The Mattala airport will also support the international cricket stadium, convention centre, harbour and most importantly the emerging economic zone and the International IT Park. MRIA will also be the only available air strip that could land the world’s largest aircraft, A380.
