Achi news desk-
Sri Lanka transfers the management of the airport to the Indian company
– Photo: PTI
expansion
The Sri Lankan government has decided to transfer the management of its Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport to Indian and Russian companies. It is worth noting that this airport was built by China. The Cabinet of the Sri Lankan government took this decision on Friday. This airport is located near the coastal town of Hambantota in Sri Lanka. The port of Hambantota was leased to China by the Sri Lankan government for 99 years. In such a situation, it is important for an Indian company to get the management of the airport located near this port.
Sri Lanka took the decision because of continuous losses
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport was built in 2013. Financial assistance for the construction of this airport was provided by Exim Bank in China. However, this airport has been surrounded by controversy since its construction. In fact, fewer flights arrive here. Also, the place where it is built is sensitive to the environment. The Sri Lankan government had to suffer huge losses from this airport. This is why the Sri Lankan government transferred the management of this airport to the Indian company Shaurya Aeronautics (Private) Limited and the Russian company Regions Management Company for 30 years. The Cabinet of Sri Lanka gave this information by issuing a statement.
The airport was built during the government of Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The amount for which the Sri Lankan government signed this deal for Indian and Russian companies has not been disclosed yet. The Sri Lankan government is also demanding to redo the loan taken from Exim Bank in China. The Sri Lankan government took a $4.2 billion loan from China’s Exim Bank for various projects. One of them involved the construction of this airport. The airport was built when Mahinda Rajapaksa was in power in Sri Lanka. Rajapaksa is also accused of supporting China.
