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Full Scale Emergency Exercise at MRIA

March 10, 2020

A full scale emergency exercise was conducted by the Airport Emergency Planning Committee on 10th March 2020 at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA). 


The main objective of this whole exercise was to ensure the effectiveness and readiness of all external and internal agencies for an emergency at an international airport. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) the objective of aerodrome emergency planning is to minimize the effects of an emergency, particularly in respect of saving lives and maintaining aircraft operations. 


In this exercise, all the agencies such as SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Police, Officials of the DMC Hambantota, Department of Emigration and Immigration, Sri Lanka Customs, Ministry of Health, and all other internal and external related agencies actively got involved to make it a success. 


Speaking at this exercise, Wg.Cdr Nalin De Alwis (Retd.), Head of Fire and Rescue Services of AASL highlighted the importance of such full scale emergency exercise at MRIA in order to ensure the operational readiness for an emergency at a time getting ready for recommencing international commercial flights. 


MRIA has untapped potential as it is surrounded by the well-known tourist attractions, such as Wild life, beaches, Cultural and Religious places. The most attractive destinations for international tourists such as Ella, Yala, Arugam Bay and Udawalawa etc. will be targeted destinations in the development strategy towards a ‘tourism hub’. Along with the development of the eco-system and the infrastructural facilities in the area, MRIA will be the 1st airport to be an exotic destination. Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) as the Second International Airport of Sri Lanka and it is expected to develop the airport as an ‘Exotic Tourism Based Destination’ under the new visionary leadership of the government.