The Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) had been built without a business purpose, Minister of Aviation Bimal Rathnayake said.
Addressing the media, Minister Rathnayake said that it has become an abandoned airport, due to which the country is facing a large debt.
Minister Rathnayake said that Sri Lanka is currently facing a US$260 million loan to be paid until 2030.
“The government is attempting to develop the Mattala Airport into an operational entity, with planes landing and taking off. This is not something that can happen in a year or two. We are currently facing expenditure and loan payments for this airport. Even though it is not a key airport, it is essential as an alternative airport,” he said.
Minister Rathnayake pointed out that the Mattala Airport has turned out to be beneficial to some extent as an alternative airport in Sri Lanka.
The Aviation Minister further revealed that discussions are underway to utilize the airport for other operations, such as plane maintenance, and the land outside the main airport premises for solar projects.
“Until we reach a stage to welcome a high number of passengers, the government is looking at making the airport profitable through other income-generating projects and businesses,” he said.
Minister of Aviation Bimal Rathnayake made the remarks after engaging in an inspection tour of the Mattala Airport on Thursday. (Newswire)