Subject Minister rebuffs Harin’s claims

By Kelum Bandara  

Despite Tourism Minister Harin Fernando’s remarks that there are plans to work with Indian industrialist Gautam Adani’s led Adani Group to manage three airports of the country, Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said no such decision had been taken yet.   

Mr. Fernando said in India recently that negotiations are currently underway, and the Indian business conglomerate is being offered three airports, including Colombo’s Bandarnaike International Airport. Sri Lanka’s premier international gateway, which opened in 1970, is named after the country’s former Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandarnaike.   Asked for a comment in this regard, Minister de Silva said,” It is better to ask Mr. Fernando,”  

Prodded for an answer from him as the Cabinet minister in charge, he said, “There are various proposals but nothing has been finalized yet.”