The government led by the National People’s Power (NPP) is preparing to call for Expressions of Interest (EoI) to attract private investment for operating services at the Mattala International Airport (MIA).
This marks a shift from the NPP’s previous stance on privatization of state assets, as it now seeks private sector involvement in areas such as passenger handling, cargo services, and maintenance.
The MIA, which was built with funding from China EXIM Bank, has faced criticism since its opening in 2013 due to underutilization and financial losses.
Multiple past governments attempted to privatize the airport, including plans to lease it to Indian and Russian companies for 30 years, but those efforts were later abandoned.
Legal limitations under the Civil Aviation Authority Act prevent the transfer of certain operational responsibilities, which must remain under the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).
Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Kodituwakku confirmed that a Cabinet paper would soon be submitted to obtain approval for calling EoIs.
He added that the previously selected India-Russia joint venture could also submit proposals under the new process.
Currently, Mattala Airport handles around 150,000 passengers annually, mostly through chartered tourist flights, with no scheduled commercial operations.
Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Sagara Kotakadeniya clarified that while private participation is allowed in airport management, critical areas like security and air traffic control must remain under CAASL.
The proposed initiative aims to enhance the airport’s operational viability while maintaining essential oversight under government authority.
