Thursday May 14, 2026
Thursday May 14, 2026
Wednesday, 13 May 2026 11:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lanka has launched a fresh drive to attract local and foreign investors for the operation and commercial development of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport as authorities seek to revive the underutilised airport and position it as a logistics, aviation and tourism hub linked to the country’s southern economic corridor.
The Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to attract foreign direct investment and strengthen Sri Lanka’s position in the global aviation sector, with the Board of Investment (BOI) tasked with facilitating investor engagement and promoting opportunities through its international networks.
Acting on behalf of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (AASL), the Ministry has called for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) covering a range of commercial and operational activities at the airport.
The EOI process has been divided into two segments covering Airside or Aerodrome Operations, relating to civil aviation activities within the airport’s inner perimeter, and Landside Operations, which include commercial activities within both the inner and outer perimeters of the facility.
Authorities are offering investment opportunities across cargo handling, logistics, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations, aircraft spares manufacturing, industrial parks, warehousing, packaging, renewable energy projects and hospitality developments including resort hotels.
The Government is also promoting the airport’s proximity to Hambantota Port and major international shipping routes as a strategic advantage for integrated sea-air connectivity and transshipment operations.
Flexible investment structures, including joint ventures, public-private partnerships and direct investments, are being offered to attract investors with varying capital requirements and risk profiles.
MRIA, inaugurated in 2013 as Sri Lanka’s second international airport, was constructed at a cost of about $ 209 million with financing largely provided through loans from the Export-Import Bank of China. The airport was designed to handle one million passengers annually and features a 3,500-metre runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft including the Airbus A380.
Despite its infrastructure capacity, the airport has struggled to attract sustained traffic and has recorded losses since operations commenced, prompting successive governments to explore restructuring and private sector participation.
The latest initiative follows the collapse of an earlier attempt to lease and operate the airport through a joint venture involving Indian and Russian firms after both entities were reportedly blacklisted by the US State Department.
EOI documents are available free of charge until 8 June 2026 through AASL or via Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka. A proposal briefing and site visit to Mattala is scheduled for 22 May.
