Russia Floats Potential JV with India to Operate Sri Lanka's Mattala

COLOMBO (News 1st);  Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Levan S. Dzhagaryan, signaled Russia's potential interest in a joint venture with India to operate Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. 

While not confirming imminent involvement, Dzhagaryan acknowledged ongoing discussions and underscored the importance of Russian tourism for Sri Lanka.

"There were different ideas, different proposals, and just to also express ours, it's under consideration," Dzhagaryan stated, emphasizing Sri Lanka's ultimate decision-making authority.

He highlighted the significant number of Russian tourists visiting Sri Lanka, citing it as a key factor in their interest in Mattala's potential.

Dzhagaryan noted Russia's position as Sri Lanka's second-largest source of tourists, following India, with expectations of up to 1.2 million Russian visitors in 2024. 

The Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, located in Hambantota, has struggled to attract regular traffic since its opening in 2013. The proposed joint venture with India and Russia presents a potential opportunity to revitalize the airport and boost tourism in the region.