Chinese and Indian companies are among the investors who have submitted proposals to operate the Mattala Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport, Ports, Aviation and Energy Minister Anura Karunatilaka has confirmed.
The government called for Expressions of Interest (EoI) from suitable local and foreign investors to operate the airport in Hambantota District. A committee appointed by the Cabinet is also reviewing the proposals and holding discussions before making a decision.
The Mattala airport was opened in 2013 after being constructed with a loan of nearly USD 200 million obtained from China during the administration of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The initial deadline for submitting investment proposals was June 8, but the government later extended the deadline by another month.
Following the extension, 19 proposals have been received and are currently being evaluated by the relevant authorities.
Responding to a question on whether Chinese and Indian companies were among the investors who submitted proposals, Minister Anura Karunatilaka confirmed that they were. He also said that investment proposals had been received from Oman.
