The JVP leader, Anura Kumara Dissanayake warned parliament against transferring Mattala airport to India, arguing it would be a threat to national security.
"Issues with national interest should be considered than losses or economic benefits of the airport. An airport is important in military affairs in a country. It can pose more threat to national security and sovereignty of the country," Mr Dissanayake was quoted by the Daily Mirror as saying.
The Civil Aviation Minister, Nimal Siripala De Silva told parliament that the government continued to be in discussions with India over developing the loss-making airport as a joint development programme.
Asked by the JVP leader whether the final deal would be presented to parliament, Mr De Silva said that it would be presented to parliament before signing. He attempted to reassure MPs that an airport could not be transferred over to a foreign country without a change in the law.
"If the airport is to be transferred to India completely, Civil Aviation Act should be amended in Parliament. Then anyone can object it and defeat it in Parliament," he added.
