The State Ministry of Aviation and Export Zones Development is to open duty free shops at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) at the end of next month, the State Minister D. V. Chanaka said.
The selection of tenders was concluded recently.
Shops selling electronic items, confectionary, liquor and other fast moving goods will be included in the duty free area. A travel counter, wrapping machine facilities, bank counters, communication centres will also be installed in the premises.
“As MRIA did not have a duty free shopping area over the past few years Sri Lankan and International travellers faced many difficulties as a result. Therefore, opening these facilities fulfils another important step in the journey of turning MRIA to one of the best airports in the region,” the State Minister said.
As the MRIA has been dedicated to handle the “Tourist Bubble” during the pandemic and also due to temporary abolishment of grounding taxes for flights, the airport has gained more attention recently.