The Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport has opened its doors to the world. This new and unique international hub promises to spearhead and facilitate the development in both the Southern and Eastern regions of Sri Lanka. The brainchild of His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa, this second international airport, built as an unique eco-project, is set to transform the fast changing Southern and Eastern regions of the island. The Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) limited has worked tirelessly to create a world class airport experience in Hambantota in order to help foster a new tourism product, investment in the surrounding areas creating a number of working opportunities for the local populous facilitating the establishment of a gateway for economic investment in Sri Lanka. Strategically located to connect to over 60 per cent of the world within eight hours MRIA will be the first airport in Sri Lanka to have A380 flight facilities. The new state of the art airport also boasts a vast 12,000 square-meter international terminal building as well as a 1 million square foot duty free.