Sri Lanka, Sept. 16 -- The government has removed landing and parking fees for aircraft arriving at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) for a year.

Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said yesterday this decision aims to attract more aircraft and boost operations at the MRIA.

Meanwhile, the 60 dollar embarkation tax on passengers will also be lifted for two years to attract more international tourists to the country. The Minister further said it has been decided to provide discounts for ground handling at MRIA since the service fee for ground handling is higher compared to other airports in the region. In addition to that, fuel will be provided for aircraft arriving MRIA at subsidised rates.

All these measures were taken...