Could attract Indian, SAARC shoppers going to Singapore:

Weerawila should be a duty free centre

The proposed Weerawila airport could be made an even viable venture if it can be used as a duty free centre and a hub for low cost carriers, Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Gamini Wickramasinghe said.

He said a duty free centre should be created to attract SAARC tourists. Countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Dubai have followed this example and are attracting US$ billions revenue to their countries. In addition is also boost their tourism arrivals.

Tax holidays, long term credit facilities and other incentives should be provided to investors who would open duty free facilities at Weerawila. “The Government must create an environment where this duty free centre would be the cheapest in the region,” he said.

“Shop owners like Mohamed Mustafa of Singapore should be invited to Weerawila and then the other companies would follow. Many Indians travel to Singapore only to shop at Mustafa’s and if this shop is available in Weerawila, Indians will be more than happy to do their shopping there,” Wickramasinghe said.

“Weerawila will save them on airfare, time, and accommodation and with the saving they can either purchase more goods or tour the country,” he said. There is a growing Indian middle class that travel frequently and steps should be taken to woo them.

With a top class Duty Free facility in place many domestic airlines operating in India and other Asian countries would be keen to fly to Weerawila.

The ground breaking ceremony of the event took place on November 19. Under the first phase, the Weerawila international airport would be able to accommodate eight aircraft. It would also be the first airport in Sri Lanka which would have the capability of landing the latest A380 aircraft.

The cost of the construction of the airport would be Rs. 1.2 billion and is expected to be ready by 2011. Under this project, over 70,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities will be created.

The airport will comprise a 4000-metre runway and will provide parking space for 14 aircraft at a time. In addition, a Customs building, large hangar, AASL office and other modern facilities too would be provided.

However a highway network is a must for the success of the Weerawila airport project. “Any tourist or local landing in Weerawila would not want to waste around seven hours to come to the City. The proposed Colombo Matara expressway should be linked to the Weerawila terminal to provide faster land access to the city,” he said.

In addition a rail system too has to be introduced and this is currently on track with the extension from Matara to Kataragama.

The construction will be carried out with the latest technology under the guidance of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

There would also be direct air links between the Colombo international airport and Weerawila.

Sri Lanka’s first airport in Ratmalana has been used to its maximum capacity and commercial properties around the airport limits expansion. However this airport too would be used for domestic flights. (SS)