Colombo: The Sri Lankan government announced on Friday that a joint venture between an Indian and a Russian firm has been awarded the management contract for Sri Lanka's Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota. This airport, once known as the "world's emptiest airport" due to a lack of flights, is set to receive a new lease on life.

Government spokesman and minister Bandula Gunawardena stated that the USD 209 million facility's management contract will span 30 years. The decision was made after receiving five proposals following the approval of the calling of Expression of Interest by prospective parties during a Sri Lankan Cabinet meeting on January 9. The contract has been awarded to Shaurya Aeronautics (Pvt) Ltd of India and Airports of Regions Management Company of Russia. The proposal submitted by the minister of civil aviation and airport services was approved by the Cabinet, Gunawardena added.

Mattala Airport, named after former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, was a significant infrastructure project during Rajapaksa's almost decade-long rule. However, it became notorious for its underutilization and heavy losses. The airport was built at a cost of USD 209 million, with USD 190 million funded through a high-interest loan from the Exim Bank of China. Since 2016, the Sri Lankan government has been seeking commercial partners to manage the airport.

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