Sri Lanka is set to buy Xian Y-20 military transport planes from China, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told This Week in Asia in an exclusive interview.

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"Some people have raised questions about their quality but I have always said, 'Look, as far as I am concerned, I will always underwrite Chinese military transport planes'. We will buy two more," Wickremesinghe said, adding that Chinese transport planes are good workhorses since he himself has boarded on some during his travels.

However, New Indian Express noted that the new China-made Xian Y-20 will be put into spotlight if Sri Lanka decides to get more Chinese military aircraft, as it will be one of the first countries to own the new transport craft outside China.

Sri Lanka aims to use the Xian Y-20 not only for military purposes but also to carry tourists. However, Wickremesinghe noted that "The only thing is getting the US federal aviation clearance, without which there might be insurance issues for Western tourists."

Wickremesinghe further defended that it is logical for the country to buy new transport planes since their old aircrafts could no longer serve their purposes in a cost-effective manner.

Although India has offered its Tejas, Sri Lanka is apparently more interested in getting transport planes instead of fighter jets. The country wants to utilize of its numerous air fields that have been left unused after World War II.

China is the third country next to Russia and the United States to design and create its very own heavy military transport aircraft. Currently, it is the biggest military aircraft in production and the first cargo aircraft to utilize 3D printing technology.

The Xian Y-20, which bears the code name "Kunpeng," was officially inducted under the service of the People's Liberation Army Air Force in July.

TagsSri Lanka News, Xian Y20, China-Sri Lanka relations, China Sri Lanka News, Ranil Wickremesinghe