Mattala Airport will be opened to local and foreign investors as Sri Lanka seeks to turn the loss-making facility into a profitable hub.
Mattala Airport is being targeted for a major private sector-backed transformation as the Sri Lankan government moves to convert the loss-making facility into a commercially profitable aviation and investment hub.
The government has announced a new strategic plan for Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, which is currently incurring a massive annual loss of approximately Rs. 3 billion.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation has launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the project, creating an opportunity for both local and foreign investors to participate in developing the Mattala airport.
Under this new investment opportunity, the government intends to develop several sectors within the airport premises, which extend across approximately 600 acres.
The planned development areas include aircraft operations, cargo and logistics centres, aircraft maintenance and repair units, and aircraft parts manufacturing zones, all of which are expected to be newly established within the airport area.
In addition, authorities have decided to give priority to projects linked to tourism hotels, holiday resorts, and solar energy parks under the same initiative.
The call for proposals for the project, aimed at giving new life to the Mattala airport through private sector participation or privatisation, began on April 27, 2026, and will continue until the first week of June.
Relevant documents can be obtained until June 8, while all proposals must be submitted to Sri Lanka Airports and Aviation Services Ltd. before the stipulated deadline.
