COLOMBO, July 13 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka has received 19 investment proposals under an Expression of Interest process aimed at expanding commercial activity at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation has said.
The proposals were opened at the ministry on July 9 after the submission process closed.
According to the ministry, a Project Committee appointed under the Cabinet Appointed Negotiation Committee will now evaluate the submissions and identify prospective investors for the different business ventures. Those shortlisted will be invited to participate in the next stage of the procurement process through a Request for Proposals.
The process, launched on behalf of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL), separates the opportunity into airside and landside operations.
Airside operations cover civil airport activities within the airport's inner perimeter and will be offered under a management contract. AASL plans to lease the passenger and cargo terminals, apron, runway, taxiways and related commercial facilities, while retaining areas needed for mandatory aeronautical services.
Landside projects will be developed under 30-year build, operate and transfer agreements, with possible extensions subject to regulatory approval and investor performance.
About 238 hectares have been identified for commercial use, including land for aircraft maintenance, flying and aerospace engineering schools, logistics, hotels, industrial parks, aircraft parts manufacturing and storage, renewable energy, fixed-base operations, long-term aircraft parking and ecotourism.
AASL will retain responsibility for aviation security, search and rescue, firefighting, air navigation, aeronautical information and communications services, and the airport's operating license. ■
