Should I fly out of Mattala HRI instead of Colombo CMB if my trip ends in the south

Mattala Rajapaksa International (HRI) is operating in 2026 but on a limited schedule; service has been rebuilding gradually after the well-known underuse of recent years. A small number of carriers run scheduled or charter flights to the Gulf and Asian hubs (FlyDubai, some seasonal Russian/Eastern European charters, and occasional SriLankan services), often a few flights a week rather than daily. So: it is realistic ONLY if your homebound route happens to have a flight from HRI on your date. Practical advice: (1) check current HRI schedule on the airport website or via your travel agent before assuming. (2) If you have a connection through Dubai or Doha, an HRI option may exist and save you that long drive. (3) If not, the Southern Expressway makes the drive CMB to Tangalle just 3 hours, much faster than people fear. (4) Mattala is small and easy; check-in and security are calm.