Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) is currently incurring daily losses of approximately Rs. 6-7 million, resulting in annual losses of nearly Rs. 4 billion, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was informed during a special discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (15).
The disclosure was made during a review meeting on the progress of the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation’s programmes for 2026 and the proposed budget allocations for 2027.
During the discussion, officials informed the President that investment proposals have already been called to improve the financial performance and future operations of Mattala International Airport. They added that the evaluation and selection process is currently underway and is expected to be completed by 2027.
The President was briefed on the airport’s current financial situation as part of a broader review of the country’s aviation sector. Officials also emphasized the need to identify sustainable investment opportunities and operational improvements to reduce the airport’s financial burden while enhancing its long-term viability.
