Sri Lanka, June 2 -- Despite its previous stand regarding privatization of state assets, the government, led by the National People's Power (NPP), is seeking to call for Expression of Interest (EoI) to open up the Mattala International Airport (MIA) for private investors for operation of its services in different categories, an official said.

The MIA, funded by China EXIM Bank, has stoked controversy since its opening in 2013 due to a low number of flights and persistent financial losses. The successive governments tried to privatize the airport. The previous government tried to hand over the airport to Shaurya Aeronautics (Pvt) Ltd. of India and Airports of Regions Management Company of Russia for 30 years.

However, the move was resci...