The deadline for calling bids for the restructuring of SriLankan Airlines has been extended by 45 days and it will come to effect from today, Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.

Addressing the media, he said the proposal for the government to absorb the USD 510 million in outstanding debts by SriLankan Airlines has been approved by the Cabinet.

.As per the SOE Restructuring Unit (SRU), the RfQ process for the sale of a majority stake in SriLankan Airlines will be in slated for mid April now and issuance of Letter of Intent in May