By Imsha IqbalThe Sri Lankan Government is seeking to attract aviation companies to the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) which was once dubbed as the “world’s emptiest airport”, by providing discounts and tax relaxation. The airport immigration tax is anticipated to be released from the date of inauguration of the operations by the international aviation companies for a period of two years, as in terms of encouraging the aviation companies to reach Mattala Airport. Further discounts are to be awarded to the aviation companies on landing and parking charges for the airplanes for the next four years. These offers were announced by the Government despite the prevailing pandemic, where aviation restrictions are still in place in many countries. MRIA is the second international airport in Sri Lanka which was formerly known as Hambantota International Airport (HIA), while the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) serves as the first in the country.

Source: The Nation September 28, 2021 19:18 UTC