SriLankan Airlines postpones leasing of 21 new aircraft

Colombo : Chairman of the Parliament watch dog Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Prof Charitha Herath on April 25 ordered SriLankan Airlines to put on hold the process of leasing 21 aircraft for the period 2022-2025.
The order had been given in view of the prevailing dire economic situation facing the country, according to reports.
Prof Herath also said that the entire process should be reviewed and it had to be ascertained whether the relevant procurement process was in conformity with proper procedures.
He accordingly advised the Secretaries to the Ministry of Tourism and the State Ministry of Aviation and Export Zones Development.
The COPE Chairman also recommended that a procurement guideline be duly prepared and submitted to the Cabinet through the Minister for the relevant procurement as a Cabinet decision.
The Committee acknowledged that the replacement of aircraft at the end of the service period was essential for the continued operation of the airline. However, in view of the current economic crisis it was important to pay more attention to relevant requirements.