Sri Lanka's Mattala airport is to be developed with India's Aviation Authority, the prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe said today.
“Sri Lankan and Indian Aviation Authorities will launch the joint venture and make the Mattala International Airport profitable within three months," Ranil told those gathered at an event in a cement factory in Hambantota this morning.
"The airport will not be used to store paddy anymore,” he added.
India's involvement with the development of the airport has faced criticism from several Sinhala sources, who have condemned the government's decision to 'sell' part of the island.
The JVP previously said that India's involvement would undermine national security.
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