The Sri Lankan government recently confirmed that negotiations regarding the ‘Mattala Project’ are moving forward with India. This collaboration involves the Matalla Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota, nicknamed as the “world’s emptiest airport” due to a lack of flights. Despite its current condition, the revived airport could serve not only as a transportation node but also a potential tourist attraction in the future.
The Mattala Project
The ‘Mattala Project’ is an agreement between India and Sri Lanka focusing on the reinvention of the financially draining Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. India will hold a 70% stake in this joint venture and will contribute $225 million of the total projected cost. Sri Lanka will cover the remaining balance.
India has proposed setting up a flight school and a maintenance hub at the airport to boost revenues while promoting regular traffic. The airport, located 241 km southeast of Colombo, will operate under a 40-year lease deal with India.
Strategic Interests and Political Sensitivity
While the project aims to rejuvenate the underperforming airport, it’s clear that India’s principal interests are strategic, given the airport’s proximity to the Chinese-controlled port in Hambantota. Acknowledging this commercial venture may cause political turmoil, as the opposition forces in Sri Lanka have raised concerns about selling national assets to foreign countries.
Concerns over China’s Growing Influence
India’s interest in running the airport also stems from concerns over China’s expanding role in the Indian Ocean. In recent times, Sri Lanka formally handed over control of Hambantota port to China as part of a $1.1 billion, 99-year lease. Although Sri Lanka has assured that no Chinese naval facilities will be permitted in its territory, India is wary.
From a security standpoint, Hambantota could serve as an excellent logistics base for an expanding Chinese naval presence. Naval bases require easy air access for people and supplies, along with maritime air surveillance capabilities.
Mattala Airport: A Strategic Advantage
With control over the Mattala airport, India gains significant leverage over how the Hambantota port is used. The possibility of the Chinese navy developing a notable facility at Hambantota without also controlling the airport seems unlikely.
While the Mattala project’s primary aim is to resurrect an underused airport, it holds considerable geopolitical importance. Amidst these are India’s concerns about growing Chinese influence in the region and the strategic advantage that control over the Mattala airport would provide.
