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Despite losses, Mattala Airport must be maintained: Nimal Siripala

13 Jun 2022

  • Nimal Siripala says several measures underway to revive loss-maker
BY SAFRAH FAZAL While noting that the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is operating at  a loss of Rs. 100 million, Minister of Ports and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva said that several strategies are underway to convert the Mattala airport from a loss-making to a profit-making venture. Speaking to the media, following a tour of the premises and discussions with officials last Saturday (11), de Silva stated that alternative uses for the airport are being strategised until the country stabilises and tourists return and investors show a keen interest in the country. “Despite losses, this airport is essential to us, as it is Sri Lanka’s second airport. Particularly, in the case of emergency landings, if the Katunayake airport cannot be utilised, we require another airport; otherwise our planes will have to be rerouted to India. The importance of us having a second airport has been highlighted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) too”, the Minister said. He added: “Maintenance of aircraft, parking of aircraft are in huge demand now, so we must attract the attention of aviation companies. Our chairman is formulating large-scale plans in this regard. But, due to the situation of the country, investors and those in the field of aviation are showing poor interest. However, we do believe that in future, once the fuel and dollar crises are resolved to some extent, we will be able to bring more aircraft to Mattala airport.”  Speaking to The Morning yesterday (12), Airport and Aviation Services Major General (Rtd.) G.A. Chandrasiri said that discussions are underway to commence various commercial ventures at the airport such as the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of aircrafts, which will commence very soon. “We have already commenced discussions with a big investor who is keen on having the MRO facility at the Mattala airport.” “We are also considering the building of a hotel complex around the airport. Making it into a cargo hub is also being discussed,” he further said. Meanwhile, cultivating sesame in the fertile land bordering the Mattala airport had also been discussed as a strategy to keep away elephants from trespassing into the airport precinct, as suggested by the Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera, who was also present at the discussion last Saturday.  


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