The Sri Lankan Government has attracted strong investor interest in its plan to transform Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) into a commercially viable operation, with around 35 to 40 local and international investors expressing interest in partnering with the State through a joint venture.
According to Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, the response represents a significant improvement over previous Expression of Interest (EOI) processes, which attracted only one or two prospective investors. The final number of participants will be confirmed once official proposals are received following the 9 July submission deadline.
The Government, through the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation and Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited, invited Expressions of Interest earlier this year to identify strategic partners capable of developing and operating the underutilised airport. A Cabinet Appointed Negotiation Committee has been tasked with evaluating submissions and shortlisting qualified applicants for the next stage of the Request for Proposals (RFP) process.
Kodithuwakku attributed the heightened investor confidence to extensive improvements undertaken at the airport over the past year. These include repairing wildlife protection fencing, establishing a dedicated wildlife office and securing wildlife-free certification, enabling MRIA to operate safely and efficiently.
The Government is now seeking a strategic partner to improve the airport’s commercial performance after bringing it to a safe operational standard. MRIA has reportedly incurred annual losses of around Rs. 3 billion since its inception.
Built to ease congestion at Bandaranaike International Airport and promote regional development, MRIA recorded its strongest operational year in 2025, handling 140,614 passengers and accommodating 703 international flights. Several international airlines have expanded services linking southern Sri Lanka with destinations across Europe, the Middle East and South Asia, reinforcing confidence in the airport’s long-term growth potential.
