Mar 10, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government will offer discount packages to the passengers who use the Mattala Airport once it is opened on the 18th.

Civil Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne told the media that the offers would be given to airlines as well as to the passengers.

Pilgrims to Dambadiva and Mecca and migrant workers to West Asian countries would be offered discount packages if they use the Mattala Airport, the Minister said.

Flights that use the Mattala Airport would be provided with aviation fuel at a lower cost, he added.

The government also plans to send 60 percent of the export cargo from Mattala.

The Minister pointed out that the concessions offered to international airlines to use the Mattala Airport would help them reduce ticket fares.