The Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), opening today, will have a major boost to the economy in the South as well as to Sri Lanka overall, MP Namal Rajapaksa said.

"The MRIA will not only benefit the aviation sector, a host of other connected developments within Hambantota will spur the economy of the south and the country at large," the MP told Daily FT.

The Magampura post, the upcoming IT park, new hotel developments, Hambantota as a sports city, etc. are also connected to the overall push to reinvigorate the sough and its economic contribution to the country, MP Rajapaksa said.

The second International Airport of Sri Lanka with an envisaged investment of USD 330 million will be opened today by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.