Enthusiasm among local, foreign investors galore to take Mattala airport

Colombo, June 10 (Daily Mirror) - With as many as 47 parties initially responding to the call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the development of the Mattala International Airport (MIA), which is a strategic asset being eyed by countries involved in geopolitical contestation, the authorities have extended the deadline by one more month at the request of participants, an official said yesterday.

The Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry, on behalf of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, invited proposals from prospective investors for investments to utilise the resources of Mattala International Airport.

Expressions of Interest (EOI) can be submitted by entities such as companies, corporations, firms, and joint ventures duly organised, existing, and registered under the laws of their respective countries.

The EOI process consists of two segments: Airside/Aerodrome Operations, which include civil airport operations within the inner perimeter, and Landside Operations within the outer and inner perimeter operations of the airport.

According to the subject minister, Arjuna Karunatilake, more than 40 parties have expressed interest in investing in the airport for the utilisation of its assets.

The airport was launched in 2013. The project cost US$ 209 million and was funded primarily by China’s Export-Import Bank. The airport is located close to the Hambantota Port.

Indian media reported earlier that New Delhi was watching developments related to the airport, which is close to Hambantota Port. India sees this as an opportunity to secure a strategic asset in Sri Lanka, where China has a stake in the port.

Asked for the reason for the deadline extension, an official of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited said it was done at the request of participants to allow time for documentary preparation work.