President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed the appointment of a special committee, led by the Presidential Secretariat, to investigate alleged corruption and irregularities at SriLankan Airlines.
This decision was made during a nearly four-hour meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat with the airline’s Board of Directors and representatives from all affiliated trade unions, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.
The meeting focused on creating a sustainable future for the national carrier while maintaining government ownership. The President emphasized that no further operational funding would be provided by the Treasury and that the airline must improve financial management and institutional performance.
Dissanayake stressed the importance of collective responsibility in reviving the loss-making airline, stating that internal efficiency must be strengthened and that the airline can no longer rely on public funds.
He assured that the government is willing to make sacrifices to overcome the broader economic crisis and called on airline staff to contribute to transforming SriLankan Airlines into a profitable entity.
The discussion also centered on implementing the airline’s latest business plan, developed in line with the government’s policy to retain ownership. All parties agreed on the need for close cooperation to achieve this goal.
Trade union representatives pledged their full support for the government’s vision, committing to work towards making SriLankan Airlines financially viable.
The meeting was attended by SriLankan Airlines Chairman Sarath Ganegoda, members of the Board of Directors, and representatives from key unions, including pilots, engineers, technicians, and executives.
