Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers approves incentives to international airlines to Mattala Airport
Sri Lanka’s government has formally approved the incentive package to encourage international airlines to fly to the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airline (MRIA) following a proposal presented to the Cabinet of Ministers by the country’s Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunge.
Accordingly, a special relief package targeting international airlines will be launched.
Among the incentives are the waiving off of airport immigration tax for two years from the date of the commencement of operations by the international airlines, whilst landing charges and parking fees will be waived for a period of four years.
OSL take:
The flights operated by international airlines to Sri Lanka are on the increase indicating an increase in travellers arriving in the country. Sri Lanka has become a popular post Covid travel destination with the country’s airports receiving the internationally recognised safety and hygiene certifications. Several airlines have also announced interest in flying to both international airports – Katunayake and Mattala. The increase in tourist arrivals to the country have opened new business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. The country’s tourism authorities are also engaged in a promotional campaign covering many tourist source markets. Also, Sri Lanka’s ongoing development programme and the posturing as an emerging business destination in the South Asian region have increased opportunities in the island. Foreign businesses/investors could therefore explore the growing opportunities in the island.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/07102021/Z_7 |