Minister further said given the location in Hambanthota, the Mattala airport could be developed as a cargo transport airport as well as for passenger transport. He pointed out that the government is paying special attention to this and that it will be a great boost to the economy of the country.

The Minister was addressing the media yesterday (06) after handing over certificates to the youth who had undergone a three month hospitality training course conducted by the Ministry of Tourism at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute.

Speaking further the Minister pointed out that the only income from the Mattala airport is now being earned from the services provided to the flying airlines and that steps are being taken to improve the domestic air traffic by developing the Jaffna and Batticaloa airports.

Minister Ranatunga said steps will be taken to develop the airport to suit tourism and business sectors and as President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said in his policy statement, more attention will be paid to the tourism industry.