By The Pulseline News Desk
Fresh controversy has emerged over a multi-million-dollar aircraft lease involving SriLankan Airlines after opposition member of parliament (MP) Dayasiri Jayasekera questioned the agreement following disclosures made through a Right to Information (RTI) request.
The issue centres on a reported $ 26.6 million lease arrangement for aircraft procurement, with concerns being raised over the financial terms, transparency, and decision-making process connected to the deal. The revelations have intensified scrutiny over the national carrier’s financial management at a time when Sri Lanka continues efforts to restructure and strengthen State-owned enterprises.
The MP called for greater accountability and urged authorities to clarify the circumstances under which the lease agreement was approved. Questions were also raised regarding procurement procedures, cost evaluations, and whether the deal represented value for money for the State-owned airline.
The matter gained attention after information obtained through the RTI process reportedly revealed details relating to payments and contractual arrangements linked to the aircraft lease. According to details revealed before the Right to Information Commission, the Airbus A330-200 aircraft bearing registration 4R-ALT was acquired under an eight-year operating lease agreement rather than through an outright purchase. The disclosed documents show that SriLankan Airlines is required to pay an initial monthly lease installment of $ 275,000 for the aircraft. The agreement, effective from June 2025 to June 2033, carries an annual lease cost of $ 3.3 million. As a result, the total payment over the eight-year lease period is estimated at approximately $ 26.6 million.
The disclosure has renewed debate over governance standards and oversight mechanisms within major State institutions.
SriLankan Airlines has faced longstanding financial challenges over the years, with successive governments attempting various restructuring measures aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing losses. Aviation sector analysts note that aircraft leasing agreements often involve substantial long-term financial commitments, making transparency and proper evaluation critical for national carriers operating in competitive international markets.
The latest controversy is also expected to increase political pressure for stronger institutional accountability and more rigorous public sector procurement standards. Transparency advocates argue that the case highlights the growing importance of the RTI framework in enabling public scrutiny of major financial and administrative decisions.
Meanwhile, calls are mounting for a comprehensive review of the transaction and for relevant authorities to provide a full explanation regarding the agreement. The development has once again placed the spotlight on governance practices within State-owned enterprises and the broader need for financial discipline amid Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery efforts.
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