The Government is planning to commence international flights operations at the Mattala Airport in parallel to the opening of the Katunayake Airport for tourists on 1st August. Minister of Industrial Export, Investment Promotion, Tourism and Aviation, Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga stated that the Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation have already taken necessary steps in this regard.

The Minister made this observation at a special ceremony held for providing a large number of equipment such as sophisticated skin temperature detection cameras, modern communication systems, infrared thermometers, special masks, PPC covers and gloves which are required to reopen the Katunayake airport for tourists from 1st August to the Airport and Aviation Services Company.  This ceremony was held today (16) at the Bandaranaike International Airport premises. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has donated this equipment worth Rs. 45 million to the Airport and Aviation Services Company. The Japanese and Australian governments had provided the grants to the organization.