Plans are underway to construct a three star hotel with a golf course near the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, Chief Executive Officer Derrick Karunaratne said.

He said in addition to this, the foundation stone for the construction of a four star hotel by officials of Hyat Group of Hotels Company was also laid recently. Karunaratne said a Five Star Hotel belonging to the world famous Shangrila Hotels Group was due to open in Mirijjawila next year.

A private jet yard and an aviation training centre will be opened at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in the first quarter of next year, he said.

He added that the Mattala Airport has 800 hectares while another 1,200 hectares had been reserved for future development activities.

Karunaratne said the Mattala Airport is the only airport in Sri Lanka which can accommodate large aircraft like Rotana, Fly Dubai, Mihin Lanka and SriLankan Airlines which make 35 flights per week.