India’s Civil Aviation Ministry, in a surprise revelation, has said the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is not considering any proposal to acquire a controlling stake of 70 per cent in Mattala International Airport in a joint venture partnership with the Sri Lankan government.
Indian media quoted Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha as stating that “no such proposal is under consideration at present".
He was replying to a question raised by the Lok Sabha BJP member Poonam Mahajan as to whether the AAI is considering purchasing a controlling stake in the Mattala airport, thereby gaining ownership of the airport, the Business Standard web site reported.
According to Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva’s statement in parliament recently the AAI has been asked to submit its business plan for operating the Mattala Airport.
However he was not immediately available for comment on the latest stance of the Indian government relating to the Mattala airport deal.
Expressing dismay, a senior official of the ministry who wished to remain anonymous, noted that India has not conveyed its decision officially so far .
He noted that AAI had expressed its interest in acquiring a 70 per cent stake of the airport at an estimated value of US$ 325 million while the balance 30 per cent will be borne by Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). (Bandula)
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has interdicted Colombo Fort Magistrate Kosala Senadheera.
Mr. Ali Sabri Rahim, a Member of Parliament (MP) for Puttalam District whom an open warrant had been issued, attended a public ceremony at Al Aksha National School in Kalpitiya today (16) as the special guest of honor.
The Supreme Court today refused interim relief in an application filed by President’s Counsel Senaka Walgampaya seeking an Order from the Supreme Court compelling the President to appoint judges to fill the existing vacancies in the Court Of Appeal.
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Two underworld criminals wanted for multiple crimes, including murder, were brought from Dubai to Sri Lanka, today (12).
Acting Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, was appointed as the Attorney General of Sri Lanka a short while ago.
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