Rs 62 m boost for HIA

Indunil Hewage

The Cabinet has granted its approval to allocate Rs 62 million to purchase necessary equipment and arrangements to provide an effective and efficient service in accordance with international standards to passengers passing through the Mattala Airport (HIA) once it is commissioned.

Accordingly, 20 counters, ten each for departure and arrival would be set up engaging 50 authorized officers on day and night services on shift basis.

Mattala is the second international airport in Sri Lanka and over 70 percent of the construction work on the airport have been completed. The airport will handle 60 percent of air cargo services and 40 percent passenger.

Hambantota and Moneragala districts have been identified as potential regions and the greater Hambantota development programme had been designed to boost the economic activities of the region.