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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