A long idle airport may finally see new life as the government moves to open Mattala to private investment under a public private partnership model.
A proposal has been prepared to operate the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport jointly with private sector companies under the Public Private Partnership program, marking a significant policy shift for one of Sri Lanka’s most underutilized national assets.
Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Aruna Karanathilaka stated that the proposal will be presented to the Cabinet for approval in the near future. Once approval is granted, the government will proceed with calling for formal applications from interested private operators to participate in the management and development of the airport.
The Minister revealed that even before the formal process begins, three private companies have already expressed interest in operating Mattala Airport, indicating growing private sector confidence in the potential of the facility.
He explained that the proposed public private partnership model is expected to unlock multiple investment opportunities linked to airport operations. These include aircraft maintenance and repair services, aviation training programs, fuel supply facilities, and other aviation related commercial activities.
According to the Minister, the move is aimed at transforming Mattala into a functional and commercially viable aviation hub, while reducing the financial burden on the state and attracting foreign and local investment. The initiative is seen as part of a broader strategy to revive loss making infrastructure through private sector participation.
