The Government of Sri Lanka has prepared a 30-year Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) lease plan to develop the loss-making Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.
According to reports, the project is designed with a dual strategic approach focusing on:
- Development of the airport runway and aviation operations
- Commercial development of surrounding land areas
The initiative has reportedly attracted significant interest from companies linked to:
- India
- China
- United Arab Emirates
The tender process is scheduled to close on June 9, 2026.
Tender Requirements
Companies bidding for the project must:
- Possess a minimum net worth of US$50 million
- Have at least five years of experience certified by the International Civil Aviation Organization
Authorities say the project structure separates:
- Internal airport operations
- External commercial and investment development activities
The proposal is expected to attract aviation, logistics, tourism, and infrastructure investments from South Asia and West Asia.
The report also noted that certain legal and operational considerations overlap with agreements linked to the Hambantota Port, which is currently leased to a Chinese company.
According to the Ministry of Ports Shipping and Civil Aviation Sri Lanka, 47 major public and private sector entities from the UAE, India, and China have already expressed interest in the project.
Chinese state-backed companies are reportedly paying close attention to:
- Regional security around Mattala Airport
- Connectivity with the Hambantota Economic Corridor
Mattala Airport, which was originally constructed with approximately US$200 million in Chinese financing, currently records annual operational losses estimated at nearly Rs. 3 billion.
The government aims to finalize the selection of a long-term private operating partner before the end of 2026.
