Deputy Minister keeps ownership options ‘open’ as Mattala awaits lift-off

• Puts operations first, as 30-year Indian and Russian management deal hangs in balance
• Prof. Ranasinghe says before debating ownership models, there must first be actual traffic to operationalise MRIA 
• SLTDA Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam affirms Govt. has clear plans for Mattala

Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe  - Pic by Lasantha Kumara

Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe struck a cautious tone when asked about the operational future of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), particularly in light of the previous administration’s decision to hand management to Indian and Russian firms for 30 years.

“The first thing is to put MRIA into operation,” the Minister said in response to a query posed at a media briefing on Thursday, signalling that before debating ownership models such as public, private partnership (PPP); there must first be actual traffic.

On 9 January 2023, the Cabinet initially approved to call Expression of Interest (EoIs) from parties to utilise the facilities of the airport. Subsequently in April 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers approved entrusting the management of the MRIA to Shaurya Aeronautics Ltd., of India and Airports of Regions Management Company of Russia or its affiliated ventures for a period of 30 years (https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Indian-and-Russian-firms-to-manage-Mattala-Airportfor-30-years/44-761112). 

However, Prof. Ranasinghe indicated that despite those approvals, the viability of the arrangement hinges on deeper analysis. “There should be calculations on the technical aspects,” he said.

“First we need to make the airport operational and think how we can run it, whether it is going to be a PPP model, Government or totally private sector,” he said, adding that all options still remain open.

The Deputy Minister also said the national carrier—SriLankan Airlines, also has “a key role to play,” in reviving the airport. 

A previous decision by SriLankan Airlines to withdraw scheduled operations from MRIA reportedly saved the national carrier around $ 30 million annually, a policy decision by the previous regime that continues to haunt discussions about reinstating service. 

Asked whether the current administration risks repeating that same experiment, Prof. Ranasinghe reiterated that technical and financial calculations must come first. “At the moment it is open for consideration. First we need to operationalise Mattala and then look at airport operators,” he said.

The comments underscore a key dilemma, reviving traffic may require airline particiapation, but compelling loss-making routes could once again strain the already fragile national carrier.

Amid suggestions that the Government lacks clarity on its plans for Mattala, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam pushed back.

“We know very well what’s going to happen to Mattala,” he said.

Reinforcing the point, he noted that in the airport business, Governments often retain ownership, while leasing operations to private parties.However, he stressed that even a leasing model depends on a functioning airport.

“But even a leasing model, it requires one foundational element, an airport that is promoted, operational and attractive to airlines,” he added.

MRIA has long been criticised as underutilised infrastructure, with periodic attempts to revive it through cargo operations, charter services and foreign management partnerships. However, in 2025, MRIA handled 140,614 passengers, posting the highest-ever passenger movements since opening in 2013 whilst accommodating703 international flights, according to the Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry.

Officials said passenger numbers at Mattala have increased steadily over the past three years, with renewed attention following the appointment of the new Government playing a decisive role. 

Several international carriers launched services to Mattala during the year, expanding links with Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. These included Red Wings from Russia, SkyUp operating routes linked to Bahrain and Pakistan, Fly One from Dubai, Centrum Air and Uzbekistan Airways from Uzbekistan, and Bulgaria Air. Belavia Airlines of Belarus is also scheduled to commence flights, marking the first direct connection between Minsk and southern Sri Lanka.