Mattala Airport’s annual losses top Rs. 4 Billion

The Mattala International Airport was incurring daily losses of Rs. 6–7 million, amounting to nearly Rs. 4 billion annually, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was informed. During a special discussion at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (15), officials said investment proposals to address the situation have been called and the process is expected to be completed by 2027. The information was disclosed during the meeting held on the progress of the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation during 2026 and budget allocations for 2027. Institutions under review included the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), Airport and Aviation Services (AASL), Ceylon Shipping Corporation, SriLankan Airlines, SriLankan Catering, the Civil Aviation Authority, Merchant Shipping Secretariat, Port Management and Consultancy Services, and Jaya Container Terminals (JCT). Officials briefed the President on key development initiatives under the Sri Lanka Ports Development Programme, supported by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Government of India. These included the rehabilitation of Kankesanthurai Port, the proposed Logistics Park at Colombo Port, extension of the southern breakwater, the second phase of the Western Container Terminal, and the digitalisation of port operations. Attention also turned to aviation. A long‑term plan to enhance Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) aims to meet national aviation needs over the next 30 years, with passenger handling capacity projected to reach 24.2 million by 2055. The second phase of the BIA Development Project, due for completion in 2027, includes expansion of arrival and departure terminals, construction of a new terminal building, and depot upgrades. The President stressed the need to streamline passenger transport services around the airport. Officials further said that collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Affairs is underway to fully digitalise airport services. Development work at domestic airports, including Hingurakgoda, was reviewed, with the President instructing officials to coordinate more effectively with the Sri Lanka Air Force for civil passenger operations. It was further disclosed that Jaffna International Airport is undergoing upgrades to its passenger terminal and facilities. President Dissanayake emphasized that all institutions must manage their financial resources effectively, ensuring future development projects contribute to the State Treasury without adding burdens on taxpayers. (Newswire)