Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma says national carrier, SriLankan Airlines is facing a large debt due to political interference of the past regimes, resulting in an ongoing case in international courts.
Addressing the Parliament, Deputy Minister Suriyapperuma said SriLankan Airlines has been found not only to be involved in corruption at the state level but also at the international level.
“Currently, there is an ongoing case in the international court over claims that commissions were sought during the purchase of planes. Planes have been obtained on lease at exorbitant rates beyond the existing market rates,” he revealed.
The Deputy Minister further said that the actions and decisions over the past few decades by former regimes related to SriLankan Airlines must be taken into consideration when looking into its debt.
Outlining the measures taken by the government to address the debt, the Deputy Minister of Finance said that they have planned to introduce a 05-year programme from 2025 to 2030.
He further explained that despite the government allocating Rs. 20 billion in its 2025 budget for SriLankan Airlines, the funds will not be utilised for the airlines’ management of operating expenses and that its management is tasked with making it a self-sustaining entity.
Deputy Minister Suriyapperuma also revealed that discussions have commenced with relevant stakeholders to restructure the debt, under which loans have been obtained in US Dollars.
He assured that measures will be taken to address SriLankan Airlines’ debt without burdening the public. (Newswire)
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