The Sri Lankan Government has turned down an offer by India to develop Palali airport, reported the Daily Mirror on Monday.
India has been involved in several infrastructure projects in the north of the island, including modernising the railway and developing Kankesanthurai harbour.
However its offer to develop Palali airport, was turned down by the government and will instead be run jointly by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Air Force.
Civil Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne said the airport would be expanded for commercial activities and for the use of the Air Force.
He said a total of 10 domestic airports will be built on the island, in addition to one international airport, currently being built in President Rajapakse’s hometown of Hambantota.