Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, CATALYST FOR DEVELOPMENT

* The construction of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport , catalyst for the country's economic and social development began on November 27, 2009.

* Total cost of the first stage is US$ 209 million.

* The Chinese government funds the project

* It can accommodate the latest Airbus A380 and is designed according to the International Civil Aviation Organization recommendations.

* The Airport facilitates over 800 passengers at peak hours

* It facilitates air ship cargo transshipment with the nearby Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port

* The inaugural test flight to Mattala touched down on October 16, 2012

* The Airport received the certification of Compliance and Certification of aerodrome.

* The Airport was planned under the environmentally friendly green concept with the construction of several lakes and green landscaping.

* The project was designed and implemented by Lankan Engineers .