Cabinet nod to transfer China-built Mattala airport’s management to Indian, Russian joint venture

• Commercial agreement to be signed soon

By Kelum Bandara

Sri Lanka is planning to sign a commercial agreement soon with Shaurya Aeronautics (Pvt) Ltd. of India and Airports of Regions Management Company of Russia for the transfer of the management of the Mattala International Airport for 30 years, an official said.

The airport was built with US $ 209 million Chinese financial assistance. The Cabinet, at its meeting conducted on Thursday, approved the proposal to transfer the management to a joint venture between these two companies.
The official said the joint venture will be registered in Sri Lanka.

“We are planning to sign the commercial agreement in this regard soon. But, the exact date cannot be said right now,” he said.

The airport was built during the time of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. It is located close to the Hambantota Port.