• Tourism Minister Ranatunga says proposal before Cabinet shortly for approval

The Government has proposed a special relief package targeting international airlines to incentivise them to schedule flights to the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) – Mattala. A Cabinet paper in this regard will be submitted shortly.

Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said the objective was to attract international airlines to the Mattala airport.

It has been proposed that international airlines, which have never operated to MIRA, will not have to pay the Airport Emigration Tax of $ 60 for a period of two years from the date of commencement of operations.

In addition, it has been proposed that landing charges and parking fees be waived for a period of four years. Accordingly, landing and parking charges will be 100% exempt in the first year, 75% in the second year, 50% in the third year and 25% in the fourth year.

Ranatunga said if any airlines enter into an agreement to operate at least once-a-week flights to MRIA, the Government will consider offering a 50% discount on first year landing and parking charges for those airlines at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake as well.

The Minister pointed out that the global aviation industry has been significantly disrupted as a result of the COVID pandemic and the proposed special relief package would be instrumental in attracting airlines which are already struggling to sustain their businesses.

“Steps have been taken to submit the proposal to seek Cabinet approval,” Ranatunga added.

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