Srilanka, July 12 -- The Government has launched a major drive to revive the underutilised Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, with 19 local and foreign investors moving forward with proposals to develop the facility into a regional hub for tourism, cargo, aviation services and related industries. Ports and Aviation Ministry Secretary, W. W. S. Mangala yesterday said 43 local and foreign investors had submitted Expressions of Interest (EoIs) following the Government's invitation for investment proposals, with 19 investors advancing to the next stage by submitting detailed proposals.

The investors have expressed interest in developing a range of activities at Mattala, including cargo operations, aviation services, aircraft maintenan...