Government leaders are in initial discussions on Indian conglomerate Tata Enterprises as a possible investor in SriLankan Airlines, ‘Lankadeepa’ has reported.
Tata, which manages Air India and several other airlines, has shown interest in Sri Lanka’s national airline as well, it said quoting a top official in the Ports, Shipping and Aviation Ministry.
The government has decided to restructure SriLankan Airlines, which is among the highest loss-making state entities.
Indian media too, has reported about Tata’s interest in the island’s airline.
SriLankan recorded profits for the last time when it was partly-owned and fully-run by Emirates Airlines before 2008.
Over political disagreements, it sold back its 43.63 percent shares to the Rajapaksa regime, after which it continued to lose money.
Within seven years, it amassed losses of more than 800 million US dollars.
