India has made a payment of Rs. 117 million to the Government of Sri Lanka for a military-cum civilian runway rehabilitation project in the Jaffna peninsula, an Indian High Commission official confirmed.

However High Commission Spokesman Dinkar Asthana was unable to say if the money was part of a series of installment payments. ‘It has been said that the money is earmarked for the Palaly Runway Rehabilitation Project.’

Palaly is used by both civil and military aircraft to carry passengers to Jaffna. It is also the main Air Force base in the Jaffna Peninsula. The money is slated to be used for civil and military runway rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Director General, Media Center for National Security, Lakshman Hulugalle was unaware of the transaction when he was contacted by The Sunday Leader.

Military Spokesman Brigadier Nanayakkara declined to speak on the matter and directed The Leader to the air force spokesman.

However, Air Force Spokesman Janaka Nanayakkara said that such a monetary transaction, if any, would take place between the two countries’ governments. He added that until the Treasury contacted the Airforce, they would have no knowledge of this matter.