Sri Lanka has announced a call for investors to take over Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, the country's second international airport that opened in 2013 near a wildlife sanctuary on the southern coast [1]. The facility was built with a Chinese loan but has failed financially since its launch.
The airport has struggled to generate enough revenue to cover even basic costs such as electricity bills due to a lack of regular flights, leaving it underutilized and unprofitable [1]. Gary Bowerman, a commentator on the project, called it "a vanity project from the outset by the former prime minister, after whom it is named, who borrowed heavily from China to fund its construction" [1].
Bowerman explained the airport was promoted based on its proximity to the nearby Hambantota port and associated Chinese developments, but noted the port lacks significant cruise traffic and is heavily commercial [1]. This contributed to the airport’s failure to attract steady air traffic or commercial airlines.
The government is now seeking investors who can boost the airport's usage and financial viability amid ongoing operational challenges [1].
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport opened in 2013 but has yet to fulfill its intended role as a key transport hub [1]. Officials have not announced a timeline for completing the investment process or changes to airport operations.
