Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva said that the government intends to lease the Mattala International Airport.

Speaking to the media at a press conference at the Bandaranaike International Airport today, de Silva said that the government is facing difficulties in making the airport viable due to inadequate infrastructure. A highway has to be constructed linking the airport, he added, pointing out that it cannot be done at once.

Meanwhile the government pays a staggering Rs 3.6 million as interest for the debt, de Silva said.

Therefore, the government is looking for a partnership like in the Hambantota port, said that minister.

Mattala International Airport has been named the world's emptiest international airport by Forbes.