This was revealed by reliable sources at the State Enterprise Development Ministry.
Eighteen leading airlines have sent Expressions of Interest EOI and out of it 08 airlines were selected for evaluation.
Meanwhile, officials of Sri Lankan Airlines earlier said that a suitable partner would have been selected by next month.
Previously it was revealed that China’s largest privately-owned air transport firm, Hainan Airlines Company Limited (HNA) was the main contender for the amalgamation with the debt ridden national carrier.
However, sources close to airline says that Hainan Airlines is now reluctant take up the Sri Lankan Airlines as they were disheartened by conditions put forward by Sri Lankan authorities.
HNA is the fourth-largest airline in terms of fleet size in China and operates scheduled domestic and international services on 500 routes from Hainan and nine locations on the mainland, as well as charter services.
The government has called EOIs from interested investors to take over an equity stake in Sri Lankan Airlines. BNP Paribas and KPMG have been appointed as transaction advisors.
The Sri Lankan government has pledged to absorb all liabilities currently owed by Sri Lankan Airlines which, as of December 31, 2015, are said to stand at Rs.461 billion (USD3.15 billion).
While the search for a strategic partner is now on , the government has, as an interim measure, said it will recapitalize both airlines to the tune of US$201 million, sufficient to last them through till the end of October.
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