ISAS Working Papers

Despite commencing operation in 2013, Sri Lanka’s second international airport, the Mattala International Airport (MIA), has come under criticism both locally and internationally for accruing ‘unbearable debt’ and for being a white elephant project of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The MIA has not been able to live up to expectations, as few airlines placed their bets on Mattala, and later ceased service, turning it into a ‘ghost airport’. In July 2018, the government called for proposals from both local and international investors for a joint venture to make MIA operational. Against this backdrop, this paper examines the reasons as to why the airport became an example of a failed infrastructure project and identifies some areas which may help in making it profitable.