A special programme has been launched by the Ministry of Tourism to increase the number of international airlines and private jets landing at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA).

The objective of the effort is to lure tourists to the southeast region of the country.

While several concessions are already being offered to reel in international airlines and increase passenger traffic to the airport, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said rounds of discussions have been held to promote MRIA to wealthy businessmen to land their private jets.