The Ministry of Ports & Civil Aviation has launched a formal drive to attract both local and international investors to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) in a bid to revitalize the country’s aviation sector and stimulate economic growth in the country’s south.
According to the Ministry, the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) will work with all stakeholders and prospective investors as a facilitator for this important investment opportunity.
Acting on behalf of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL), the Ministry has initiated the process of inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) covering a wide array of commercial opportunities.
The EOI call is divided into two segments: Airside/Aerodrome Operations, which covers civil airport operations within the inner perimeter, and Landside Operations, encompassing activities within both the outer and inner perimeters of the airport.
The EOI process is open to both domestic and international entities. Documents can be obtained free of charge on working days between 9.00 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. (Sri Lanka time, GMT +5:30) until 8th June 2026.
Interested parties must submit a request letter on their official letterhead to the Office of the Head of Commercial & Properties, Room No. 35, 2nd Floor, Passenger Terminal Building, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, Sri Lanka. Documents may also be downloaded from AASL’s website at www.airport.lk.
A proposal briefing and site visit to Mattala is scheduled for 22nd May 2026. Prospective investors interested in attending may contact the Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at AASL for further details. The authority may be reached at Office +94 112264400 or Mobile +94 763963000 / +94 718436057.
The initiative forms part of a broader effort to attract foreign direct investment and elevate Sri Lanka’s profile in the global aviation sector. The Board of Investment (BOI) has been called upon to amplify the opportunity through its official digital channels and international networks, signalling strong inter-agency coordination behind the push.
The Hambantota Airport, a facility with immense untapped potential, has been poised for remarkable growth since its inauguration over a decade ago. Furthermore its offers untapped growth opportunities in exotic tourism development and strategic investment in Airport Operations, Cargo Services, Logistics, MRO, and more.
MRIA’s investment proposition spans a diverse range of sectors, including Cargo Services, Logistics, Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) Operations, Aircraft Spares Manufacturing, Industrial Parks for manufacturing, packaging, and warehousing, Renewable Energy projects, and Resort Hotels and Hospitality Services.
Authorities are positioning the airport’s proximity to the Hambantota Port and major international shipping lanes as a key competitive advantage, enabling integrated air-sea connectivity.
Flexible investment models are on offer, including joint ventures, public-private partnerships, and direct investments, an approach designed to lower barriers and appeal to investors with varying risk appetites and capital commitments. The airport itself boasts modern infrastructure, with advanced runways, passenger terminals, and cargo handling capacity already in place.
