19 investors eye Mattala Airport

• Among the interested parties are reportedly several leading companies from the Middle East, India and China

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

A total of 19 investment proposals have been received under the Expression of Interest (EOI) process launched to attract investors to utilize the resources of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation said.  
Among the interested parties are reportedly several leading companies from the Middle East, India and China.  
The opening of the proposals was held on July 9 at the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation following the close of submissions. The EOI process, initiated on behalf of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd., invited both local and foreign investors to submit proposals for potential business ventures at the airport.  
According to the ministry, the proposals cover opportunities in two key segments: Airside/Aerodrome Operations, which include civil airport operations within the airport’s inner perimeter, and Landside Operations covering activities within both the inner and outer perimeter. Investors were required to demonstrate their qualifications and relevant experience in managing and developing such ventures.  
The ministry said a Project Committee appointed under the Cabinet Appointed Negotiation Committee (CANC) will now evaluate the submissions and identify prospective investors for the different business ventures. Those shortlisted will be invited to participate in the next stage of the procurement process through a Request for Proposals (RFP).  
The deadline for submissions under the EOI process had previously been extended to July 9 after the CANC approved a request to provide interested investors with additional time to prepare and submit comprehensive proposals.  
The investment drive comes as the government seeks to improve the commercial viability of the airport. A recent audit revealed that the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport had accumulated net losses amounting to Rs. 39.3 billion over the past six years.