http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=A_new_chapter_in_Sri_Lanka_aviation_history_marked_20130318_07

A new chapter in Sri Lanka's aviation history marked

Modern Hub in the Asian Silk Route

"March 18th the Sri Lankan Civil Aviation Day" declared His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the opening ceremony of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport today morning (18th March).

Arriving on a special Sri Lankan Airlines flight named 'City of Magam Ruhunu Pura', HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa landed at the new Airport and declared opened the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) unveiling the plaque ceremonially.

Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa also participated at the opening ceremony today morning.

Speaking at the event President said that, "This is the first Air Port inaugurated focusing the development in the country". "Even the biggest Air Bus in the word can be landed in this Air Port" he said.

He also reminded that, "we said, we will make this country to be the 'Wonder of Asia' at the beginning, but today the new Air Port has illuminated the sky too". This would be an added value to the Yala sanctuary, Pasikuda beach and Sabaragamuwa Province while enriching its significance, he added.

Further speaking President said that, "Such as China offered aid for Hambantota Harbour, they also granted a loan for Mattala Air Port". "Not anyone, the people themselves will reap the gains out of it in future", he said.

He reiterated that, "we also continue to build high ways, power houses, reservoirs, harbours and air ports". "The influx of people form village to the urban cities will bring to an end and all urban city amenities will be taken into the villages while dragging village beauty to the cities", he emphasised.

He also paid wordy gratitude to the new Chinese President for sending a special envoy to the inauguration ceremony of the Air Port.

First phase of the Airport constructions was commenced in November 2009 being a gigantic project at a cost of 200 million U.S. Dollars. It will become one of stylish and modernized airport in the region.

The airport has been awarded the International Airport Certification (certification of compliance and certification of aerodrome), enabling it to operate as an international airport from its inception. Having certified, Air Port will be a significant landmark in the voyage of Sri Lanka's mission to be an aviation hub in Asia, aligned with the Mahinda Chinthana manifesto.

The new airport is expected to expand the local aviation industry whilst being a catalyst for the country's economic development enabling international trade, tourism, vocational training and employment. It has been implemented as an eco-friendly project covering a land area of 2,000 hectares.

The runway of the Airport is 3,500-metre long and 60-metre wide. 7.5-metre shoulders have been designated 'Code F' by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and could handle Airbus A 380.

Sri Lankan Airlines will be the sole ground handler at the Air Port providing full handing services including passenger services, baggage services and cargo handling for charters and privately owned aircraft. Sri Lankan Cargo will manage MRIA's 5,000-square meter cargo facility with the capacity of handling 60,000 metric tons. It is equipped with facilities to store live animals, dangerous goods, temperature regulated goods, customs and quarantine cargo, with special provisions for valuable cargo, weighing facility up to 15,000 kgs and screening machines.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan engineering will provide all line maintenance requirements at MRIA for Airbus A300, A320, A330, A340 and Boeing 737 aircraft including other operator supports.

The airport could handle one million passengers and 45,000 metric tonnes of cargo. In the second stage it could be expanded to five million passengers and 150,000 metric tonnes of cargo.

The new airport marks the beginning of a new chapter in Sri Lanka's economic development while ushering unprecedented economic prospects for all Sri Lankans in general.

Religious Dignitaries, Hon. Prime minister, Hon. Speaker of the Parliament, Hon. Minister of Civil Aviation including Government Ministers, Dy Minister of Civil Aviation, Member of Parliament Mr. Namal Rajapaksa including MPs, Ambassadors, Foreign Diplomats, Governors, Secretary to the President Secretariat including Secretaries of the Ministries, Chief of Defence Staff, Tri-Forces Commanders, Inspector General of Police, Director General of Civil Defence Force, Officials of Airport and Civil Aviation Sri Lanka LTD and a large gathering were present at the opening ceremony.