Sri Lanka may buy back Emirates Airline’s stake

Emirates has been trying to its stake in SriLankan Airlines since 2008, which had previously been valued at about $150 million and for which it paid $70 million in 1998. This is Emirates’ sole investment in any other airline. "The deal is almost done," Jayasundera said. "We are looking for a strategic partner or somebody from the government to take that (the stake) and maintain the commercial character of SriLankan (Airlines)."

He declined to say whether an arm of the government would take over the stake, or whether it would be sold to an outside partner.