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CONQUERING THE SKY - Daily News Special supplement to mark the opening of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, Hambantota | dailynews.lk

Messages

A new era in history

Message from the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka,D.M.Jayaratne

With a grand revolutionary change in the economic social and political situation in Sri Lanka today, the Mattala Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport is being opened by Hon. President Mahinda Rajapaksa, which would be the beginning of a new era in the history of aviation of Sri Lanka. This should be commended whole heartedly.

The international Naval and Sea routes which run east to west is situated in very close proximity to Hambantota and the opening of the airport would create new commercial trade opportunities, not only to the Southern Province, but to other bordering provinces as well, creating new employment opportunities and also stimulating economic growth in these areas.

The new airport would also be a major boost for the travel trade development, as it would also help to obtain additional foreign exchange. Katunayake airport too is to be expanded and further modernized to take the country towards being a regional aviation hub.

I would also like to thank the Republic of China for their sincere assistance for this project.

The opening of the airport would also help to uplift the living patterns of the people in the region and pave the way for better living conditions.

Because of the war on terrorism, which continued for almost 30 years, Sri Lanka suffered heavily and it was the President that led a three and half year ‘humanitarian war’ to free the country.

Sri Lanka’s economic progress was kept on hold during these ‘dark days’ and the opening of the airport would be yet another step taken to accelerate development and take the country towards being the ‘Wonder of Asia’.


A milestone in Sri Lanka’s history

Message from Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development

I convey this message with heart felt warmth, on the occasion of the ceremonial opening of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota, which would be a historical mile stone in our nation’s history.

Through the ‘Mahinda Chinthana’ concept, landmark projects such as Magampura, Oluvil and Colombo South Harbour development projects and Upper Kotmale, Norochcholai and also Kerawalapitiya Power Station, irrigation tanks such as Moragahakanda, along with the Southern Highway, have now being made realities.

Benefits of commissioning a new development project of this nature, not only brings benefits to one province, but it helps every citizen of our country to economically gain from it.

There were so many conspirators both internationally and locally to disturb and stop the Mattala Airport project and we rallied and today the project is being made a reality, thanks to the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

With the opening the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, it would help to boost the travel industry and help to open up new investments and help to create new employment opportunities.

I would also like to thank the Republic of China for their dedication for this project and all others who helped to make this project a reality.


Heading towards “Wonder of Asia”

Message of the Secretary of National Security and Ministry of Urban Development, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa

The opening of the Mattala International Airport is a historic land mark in our history and undoubtedly will open a new chapter in the aviation annals of Sri Lanka. It would also help to stimulate economic growth, not only in neighbouring areas in and around Hambantota, but to the entire nation and help to take Sri Lanka closer to be the ‘Wonder of Asia.’

The insurgency which tormented the country for almost 30 years, was defeated by leading the world’s biggest humanitarian operation and now our aim is winning the ‘development battle.’ Sri Lanka is a strong member of the United Nations where any foreign force would not be able to defeat.

The opening of the airport in Mattala, would help towards this crusade in a big way. With the demolished insurgency, thousands of tourists today, are coming to our country, thus generating additional revenue and also creating additional employment and investment opportunities.

The opening of the new airport would help the country move closer to be the Wonder of Asia.


MRIA- A dream come true!

Message from Chamal Rajapaksa, Hon. Speaker of Parliament

The need of second international airport to the country was a crying need of the country for several decades. However this was side stepped by successive governments and was given on political stoop.

Knowing the importance of a second airport “Mahinda Chintana” included this to its charter and today this long felt dream of the nation has come true and praise should go to President Mahinda Rajapaksa for giving leadership to this.

It must be stated that when mega infrastructure projects such as opening of new airport and harbours take place the benefits are not confined only to that area but to the entire nation and even spreads to the entire region as foreign countries too could yield economic benefits.

The new airport in Mattala is not built in isolation. It is being supported by a harbor, international conference hall, star class tourist hotels and also a economic zone. The airport project would also create new direct and indirect employment opportunities offering with high salaries helping rural youth to move to a new level.

I also take this opportunity to appreciate the firm support given by the peoples Republic of China towards the success of this endeavor.


A historic moment

Message from the Chief Minister of the Southern Provincial Council, Shan Wijayalal de Silva

The opening of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is a key development in the Aviation sector since the country was freed from British imperialists in 1948.The opening of the new airport also takes our memory to the ‘Dandumonaraya’ of Rawana ear where the local skilled amazed the entire world.

By peoplising the second International Airport it will open the doors to the to miracle of Asia. It is a historic moment for all the people in Southern Province and we express our sincere gratitude to his Excellency the President and everyone involved in this historic project to unveil the first international airport in the southern Province.


 


Another Mahinda Chinthana pledge fulfilled

Message from the Minister of Mass Media and Information, Dr. Keheliya Rambukwella

The historic opening of the second International Airport in Sri Lanka, is fulfilling yet another pledge spelt out in the ‘Mahinda Chinthana Vision for the Future,’ to transform Sri Lanka into a main commercial hub in Asia.

The government has succeeded in building a country equipped with all commercial facilities, to compete in the international arena of the rapidly developing world.

The Government which has endowed for a peaceful country in which any investor could work freely, is now on the path of empowering Sri Lanka into an aviation and maritime hub.

Due to the advantageous geographical location of Sri Lanka, where international aviation and maritime routes lie close to the island, it would never be a tough goal to win the sky and also the ocean.

History states that the concept of an aircraft first appeared in world history in the legend of Ravana. Ancient pride of’ Sri Lanka has been re-established with the opening of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, which would be inaugurated today. This airport would not merely function as an airport to exchange passengers and commodities, but would function as the aviation hub which opens up the beauty and the pride of Sri Lanka to the world.


MRIA, symbol of Sri Lanka’s growing economic stature

Message from Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs

It is with a sense of immense pride that I witness the opening of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, Sri Lanka’s second international Airport, constructed to operate in an environment friendly manner, equipped with state - of - the-art- technology.

The Airport, which had been built in keeping with the Mahinda Chinthana concept of ‘Winning the blue sky,’ as part of Sri Lanka’s quest to become the Wonder of Asia, would be a boon to the local aviation industry, while being a catalyst for the economic development of the Southern Province and many other bordering provinces, enabling international trade and tourism, among other benefits. Initiated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and completed by several state agencies under the stewardship of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, this project complements many other ongoing endeavours to raise the living standards of the people, not only in Hambantota, but in other nearby districts such as Ampara, Matara and Moneragala as well.

I am very pleased to note that the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport would be seen as a symbol of Sri Lanka’s growing economic stature internationally, especially when Hambantota hosts the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) Youth Forum.


A better quality of life for all Sri Lankans

Message from Deputy Minister of Civil Aviation Geethanjana Gunawardana

A new Chapter had been turned in Sri Lanka’s history, with the opening of the Mattala Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport by HE President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The country had not forgotten the development initiated even during the brutal war. While the country was winning the war, extra large development projects were also implemented.

With the opening of new airports and harbours, Sri Lanka has now become even a smaller nation.

In a developed country such as Japan, one could see more than 1,000 harbours. The reason being the geometrical situation of the country.

The geometrical situation is also a massive treasure for Sri Lanka, as new airports and ports are being built. Because there is no country down around us, travellers by passing our country, should touch down into our country.

The opening of the airport would also help secure more jobs to neighbouring villages, helping them to move to better quality of lives.


The ideal gift for the younger generation

Message from Hambantota District, MP Namal Rajapaksa

Mattala, the second international airport, is a great asset to the nation which was built upon the principles that leaders of today should think prudently and work for the future. This is not a mere asset, but an invaluable economic source for the whole nation.

I am glad and privileged to say it is the largest development project among various other development projects mentioned under the concept “Win the Skies” presented in the Mahinda Chintana development programme. The people of Sri Lanka would harvest many benefits through projects of this kind and the most benefited segment would be the youth of the country. Besides, an environment is created in which Sri Lanka’s economy and society would be rapidly transformed into a more sustainable and positive way.

The results of this transformation would not be evident overnight, but I am confident the younger generation would reap its benefits in the course of future developments.

At a time when we are moving towards a new development era, the infrastructure needed to meet the requirements of such developments should be provided.

The Mattala International Airport is an example. This milestone will provide a backbone in developing the tourism industry, imports and exports, trading, entrepreneurship and self-employment. Hence, every young person should think wisely about the opportunities this airport would provide and engage in various commercial activities which pertain to it. We are ready to assist them to develop such ventures.

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