Coalition parties propose to President to withdraw Airport from GMR

The parties in the government coalition have proposed to President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik to withdraw Ibrahim Nasir International Airport from Indian company GMR.

Sun Online has learned from a trusted source that this proposition came following a letter sent by the President to obtain the parties’ views on this issue.

A member of the coalition group said today that in the reply to this letter, the parties had stated that as agreed on 26 June 2010 at Nalahiya Hotel, their stand is still to withdraw the Airport from GMR as soon as possible.

“Our stand has not changed. We will not tolerate the Airport being managed by GMR. All parties have informed the President of this,” he said.

The main issue highlighted by the coalition parties is that of the deduction of ADC of $25 from the concession fee paid by GMR to the government.

The government has made several efforts to resolve the issue through peaceful dialogue with GMR. President Waheed had formed a team to hold discussions with GMR; however, GMR has indicated that ADC of $25 will be deducted until Parliament makes a decision on the matter.

Meanwhile, President Waheed said during his recent visit to India that the government will respect agreements made between the government and foreign investors.