Novel perspectives on development

E WEERAPPERUMA

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport will open a new chapter in the modern history of Sri Lanka. Today is the day that tells the world at large that we mean what we say and anyone visiting this island, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, blessed in abundance, takes one step more in the right direction to underscore the true meaning of development.

Development is another word for peace. This golden saying of the late Pope Paul VI is impregnated with deep meaning and calls those with sound and sane minds to analyse its true meaning, touch and see the reality beneath.

Perusing the pages of history both contemporary and the past one would see that development has taken its mighty turn not without criticism. All kings, queens and leaders who deeply loved and dedicated their services not to gain personal benefits and glory but they had taken the decisions that they should take, without going to think whether their action would be critically analysed by those come after them. They had the courage to take steps necessary to contribute their mite for the future of their country, much treasured and esteemed motherland, of their origin.

That is how the Gal-Oya Project came to be and other janapada systems came into operation. There were heavy, discouraging devastating criticisms when various projects were launched. But looking back, we see that all leaders had the courage to do what history demanded of them at the time they were controlling the destinies of the country. Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport which comes into operation is not without criticism. The birth of a child is mixed with pain and feelings. But the pain experienced in childbirth vanishes into thin air with the first sound of the cry of the babe born.

This is a moment similar to that. The country as one can enjoy the moment of happiness hearing the news that Sri Lanka has taken one step more towards development in her Aviation activities.

It is an opportune time to those living far away from the Capital City of Sri Jayewardenepura and the Economic Capital Colombo of Sri Lanka for the development has come to their doorstep and now it is their turn to enjoy the benefits while contributing their share to take the country forward.

We speak about development. Development has to be seen, be able to touch and feel. The human heart has to satisfy to have that feeling; that we are on the road to development. It has to be seen for seeing is believing. We also say that the people living down the line in the rural sector have to know the true meaning of the word development and they are part and parcel in the process of development.

Development is not a mere concept or a just a political jargon but has meaning and the world could see that there is definite change in every aspect and hence it is something the eye can see, the body can feel. For that people should be awakened to the development taking place and its impact should influence to change their lifestyle. Mattala is a classic example in this regard.

Mattala is many miles away from the City of Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte and the Economic Capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo. There is development in Colombo in the Western Province. Visitors from overseas who had seen Colombo many years ago, see that Colombo is different today and there is definite change the eye can see and heart can feel. It is very tangible. The day has come to speak in similar terms visiting the district of Hambanthota.

The Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport has brought change in the Aviation and in the time to come intercity aviation activities will bring people very much closer and there will be much better understanding and appreciation of each community’s culture and custom.

It will contribute to enhance one’s knowledge and helps a great deal to appreciate the good and values of the other.

Times will definitely change and change for the better. News was there to inform the polity of this country and overseas that the Emirates Airlines plans to use the new Mattala Rajapaksa International (MRI) Airport Hambantota as a supply airport for their modern A380 flights operating on long haul destinations. Weerawila abandoned the idea of constructing an Airport due to environment impact and Hambantota, Mattala, let not the opportunity slip away and here we are seeing the dream of an International Airport to the Southerners and Southern Province come true. Mattala in the Hambantota district is promising to take her much treasured glorious past to the international tourists and tour operators. Mattala is a small town never came into the limelight until the government decided to use it as the venue for the future second international airport. It is a tiny and insignificant village in the rural and covers just about 15 kilometers of land.

The new international airport is an eco-friendly project with an eye to expand the local aviation industry promising to be the catalyst to the development of the national economy through the international trade, tourism, vocational training and employment.

The airport is estimated to cost US $210 million and would cover 2,000 hectares. It is being built to be compatible with the latest Airbus A380 aircraft and has been designed according to recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization. The Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (also known as the Hambantota International Airport) is an international airport serving the city of Hambantota in Southeast Sri Lanka. It will also serve as the secondary hub for SriLankan Airlines and Mihin Lanka.

The airport is designed to facilitate over 800 foreign passengers at peak hours and several local passengers per every 1000 km inside the buildings. It will be made to support air-sea cargo transshipment in conjunction with the nearby Hambantota Port, which is about 15 miles away, and would act as an alternative to the Bandaranaike International Airport

This project is expected to stimulate the development and infrastructure in the area, raising living standards of the people not only in Hambantota, but also in Matara, Moneragala and other districts that are close by. Mattala MRI will add benefit other parts of the country and would have a positive impact on tourism in the Southern Province.

The Link from Matara to Kataragama and the completion of the Colombo-Matara Highway in next two years’ time would boost travel to the Southern Province. The new airport would serve as a cargo hub to the Eastern Province along with the Port of Hambantota which will be opened around the same time.

It will also serve the Hambantota Sport City which was nominated to host the Commonwealth Games in 2018. Providing a transport hub for athlete and cricketers.