The Sri Lankan government has extended the deadline for inviting proposals from investors interested in acquiring SriLankan Airlines, marking the second such extension since the privatization process began.

K. D. S. Ruwanchandra, Secretary of Ministry of Ports, Naval and Aviation Services, announced that the new deadline for submitting proposals is now February 16, 2024. 

This extension comes after the previous deadline of January 8, which was itself an extension from the initial December 5, deadline.

According to Ruwanchandra, the decision to extend the deadline once again is aimed at attracting a broader pool of potential investors. 

The privatization of SriLankan Airlines is a key element of the government's economic reform plan. 

SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, has been facing significant financial difficulties in recent years, prompting the government to explore privatization options.