Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Wednesday, 8 January 2025 00:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Monday approved an extension of tax concessions for airlines operating into three key airports — Jaffna International Airport, Colombo International Airport (Ratmalana), and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.
The move intends to increase air traffic attracting international carriers, utilise facilities and boost tourism.
The concessions include a 50% waiver on deviation tax for airlines operating scheduled flights to Jaffna International Airport, which will now remain in effect till 30 January 2026. In addition, airlines servicing Colombo International Airport (Ratmalana) will enjoy the same 50% waiver for one year starting 27 March 2025.
For Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, a full deviation tax concession will be extended for another year from 29 December 2024.
“These concessionary schemes are part of a broader strategy to enhance connectivity, attract more tourists and support local economic growth through increased travel activity. Measure also aims to encourage airlines to bring down ticket prices to attract more tourists to Sri Lanka,” Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing.
Noting that the aviation industry serves as a critical pillar of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, he said by providing financial incentives, the Government hopes to attract more airlines, promote tourism and stimulate economic activity in the regions served by these airports.
