Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake champions the future of Sri Lanka’s controversial Mattala International Airport, highlighting its tourism potential, strategic value, and efforts to tackle wildlife risks. Despite a $260 million debt, Bimal outlines plans to revive the “world’s emptiest airport” with new strategies and airline interest.
Bimal Ratnayake Defends Mattala Airport Revival Despite $260M Debt: “It’s Needed, Beautiful, and Strategically Valuable”
Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Ratnayake made a surprise inspection visit to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, declaring that the much-criticized facility remains a key strategic asset for Sri Lanka.
Built without a proper business plan, the airport has racked up nearly $260 million in debt and has long been mocked as the “world’s emptiest airport.” However, Minister Bimal insisted that its value goes far beyond short-term economics.
“We may not see full operations right away, but an additional airport has long-term national value,” he said, emphasizing a phased development strategy. “We aim to explore new business models and revenue opportunities to gradually revitalize the airport’s potential.”
The Minister also praised the scenic location of Mattala Airport, nestled near popular tourist spots like Bandagiriya Lake. He stressed that the area holds significant promise for tourism development.
One of the challenges Mattala has faced is its proximity to abundant wildlife, which poses risks to aircraft operations. Bimal said the tri-forces have already cleared about 70% of the airport’s surroundings and that efforts are underway to complete the rest. Plans are also in place to deploy wildlife officers and Civil Defense staff to mitigate future risks.
Bimal declared that the environment around Mattala is now suitable for aviation activity. In a significant development, SriLankan Airlines has reportedly expressed willingness to use Mattala as a backup airport for emergency landings.
“This is a positive signal to other international carriers,” Bimal stated. “We’re not just reviving an airport—we’re creating a multi-use hub for aviation, tourism, and economic resilience.”
Despite the controversies and slow progress, Bimal Ratnayake is determined to send a clear message: Mattala Airport is not a failure, it’s a work in progress with untapped potential.
