After Nepal snubbing India by refusing to join military exercises in Pune, it was now the turn of another neighbour, Sri Lanka — deciding against giving control of Palaly Airport to India. Just two days ago, on Monday, state-owned Airports Authority of India (AAI) had announced to prepare a detailed project report for development of this airport in Tamil-dominated Northern Sri Lanka. It had described it first project for the AAI in the island nation.
On Wednesday, Sri Lankan Civil Aviation Minister Nirmal Sripala De Silva told the parliament that the government had no intention of handing over the airport to Indian authorities. He further said the airport would be developed in partnership with the Tourism Development Fund and the Civil Aviation Authority.
In a release issued on Monday, the AAI said it has signed an agreement with External Affairs Ministry for "preparation of a Detailed Project Report for development of Palaly airport in Sri Lanka". The official said all the technical and design aspects would be covered in the DPR, which is expected to be completed in three months time.
Silva, junked the statement and said not just Palaly, but the government had no intention of handing over Higurakgoda, Baticaloa, Koggala, Digana and Trincomlee airports to other countries and all the airports would be developed as domestic airports. AAI's bid to develop the airport was being seen as a strategic move as Palaly is in Jaffna, a predominantly Tamil territory. It was also dubbed as a move to counter China's growing presence in the region by developing critical infrastructure.
Silva had told Lankan parliament that the country's government had asked the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to submit its business plan to operate the loss-making Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.
After the Sri Lankan war was over in 2009, India has been involved in the reconstruction and redevelopment of the northern province. Palaly is important due to the fact that it is in the sensitive Tamil-dominated northern province, traditionally closer to India. By developing critical infrastructure here, India was aiming to keep a foothold in this part of Sri Lanka.
