Sri Lanka Invites Investors for Mattala Airport Development

Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka has announced that Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for the development and operation of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.

The invitation is extended to both local and international investors to participate in the future expansion and commercial utilization of the airport.

Key Details

• MRIA is located in southern Sri Lanka and spans approximately 600 hectares
• The move follows a Cabinet decision to cancel a previous bidding process that focused only on passenger operations
• The new plan aims for a broader, multi-sector development approach

Proposed Investment Areas

• Airport operations
• Cargo and logistics services
• Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)
• Aircraft spare parts manufacturing
• Industrial parks (manufacturing, packaging, warehousing)
• Renewable energy projects
• Tourism and hospitality (including resort hotels)

Current Situation

The airport currently operates at a loss of around Rs. 3 billion annually. Although it has the capacity to handle up to 1 million passengers per year, it recorded only about 150,000 passengers in 2025.

Authorities expect that attracting investors will help transform the airport into a sustainable and economically viable hub.