Hope to attract more tourists to Mattala – Udayanga

Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga says he hopes to attract more tourists to the Mattala Airport in the future.
He requested the government to change existing rules and regulations in a manner that is more accommodating to tourists amidst the current COVID-19 situation.
Udayanga Weeratunga said his aim is to bring in new tourists to the country and to bring down tour groups through popular agents, similar to arrivals in the Maldives.
Weeratunga added they are able to bring down more tourists at present with the easing of restrictions with 406 Russians visiting Sri Lanka on Tuesday and around 800 Russians visiting Sri Lanka weekly.
He added Kazakhstan’s domestic airline Air Astana will begin operations to Sri Lanka from today with tourists expected from the country.
Weeratunga said he believes in the month of December large tour groups from Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan will visit Sri Lanka and especially beach areas such as Weligama, Bentota, Beruwala, and Hikkaduwa.
(Source: News Radio)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Navy seizes 123kg of heroin worth Rs. 3 Billion on trawler March 16, 2026
- Sri Lanka prioritises ambulances in fuel distribution March 16, 2026
- Sri Lanka Police warn of legal action over QR fuel system misuse March 16, 2026
- Sri Lanka moves to protect essential services amid Middle East war fears March 15, 2026
- Sri Lanka to receive 35,000 metric tons of fuel as new shipment arrives tomorrow March 15, 2026


What a great effort form a Great Patriot,
All these Russian Visitors from Kazakhstan.
We should develop a top-class red light district in Mattala to attract local and international clients with big $’s.