http://www.sundaytimes.lk/150628/news/why-mattala-could-not-take-off-heres-the-plane-truth-154888.html
Why Mattala could not take off: Here’s the plane truth
Since it opened two years ago, much was done to make Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport viable. Little or nothing has worked. Incentives have included rock-bottom handling, landing and parking charges. Businesses were offered exemptions on customs duty, exchange control and import-export regulations to set up shop in surrounding areas. Even liquor was cheaper at the duty free. Since April, there has been an open skies policy over the ailing facility. Among other things, international airlines are free to use the airport as a base for commercial operations. But there are still no takers. The possibility of turning MRIA into an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre is again being discussed. This would require a further cash injection.
Why Mattala could not take off: Here’s the plane truth
Since it opened two years ago, much was done to make Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport viable. Little or nothing has worked. Incentives have included rock-bottom handling, landing and parking charges. Businesses were offered exemptions on customs duty, exchange control and import-export regulations to set up shop in surrounding areas. Even liquor was cheaper at the duty free. Since April, there has been an open skies policy over the ailing facility. Among other things, international airlines are free to use the airport as a base for commercial operations. But there are still no takers. The possibility of turning MRIA into an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre is again being discussed. This would require a further cash injection.