Sri Lanka Seeks Investors For Mattala Airport
Sri Lanka has invited fresh investment for the loss-making Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota after an earlier 30-year lease plan with an Indo-Russian joint venture failed to move forward.
Sri Lanka Seeks Mattala Airport Investors
The government has called for expressions of interest to develop and operate the airport, which has struggled to attract regular commercial flights since opening in 2013.
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport was built with Chinese loans near Hambantota on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. It was promoted as a major infrastructure project but later became known for low passenger traffic and recurring financial losses.
Indo-Russian Airport Lease Plan Fails
Sri Lanka had earlier planned to hand over airport management to India’s Shaurya Aeronautics and Russia’s Airports of Regions Management Company for 30 years. However, the agreement did not materialise, forcing Colombo to look for new investors.
The airport has no regular scheduled flights and has reportedly failed to generate enough revenue to cover basic operating costs, including electricity and maintenance.
Hambantota Airport Remains Strategic Asset
Despite its poor commercial record, Sri Lanka is still projecting Mattala airport as a potential aviation, tourism and logistics hub. Its location near Hambantota port, wildlife tourism zones and southern transport routes is being highlighted to attract investors.
The fresh investment push comes as Sri Lanka continues efforts to reduce losses from state-owned enterprises after its economic crisis. The government hopes private or foreign participation can revive the underused airport and reduce pressure on public finances.
