Indian and Russian firms to manage Mattala Airport for 30 years

The Cabinet of Ministers approved entrusting the management of the Mattala Rajapaksha International Airport (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.

The move follows the recommendations put forth by the Cabinet-appointed negotiation committee. 

On 9 January 2023, the Cabinet initially approved to call Expression of Interest (EoIs) from parties to utilise the facilities of the airport. 

 “Subsequently, a total of institutions submitted their proposals and two companies were selected,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday. 

The proposal to this effect presented by Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva received unanimous approval from the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Thursday.