SriLankan Airlines, AASL Face Fresh Corruption Probe

Sri Lanka’s debt-ridden national carrier and its airport operator are facing renewed scrutiny, after President Anura Kumara Dissanyake appointed a Special Investigation Committee to probe corruption, fraud, and malpractice at SriLankan Airlines and Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL).

The committee has called for public complaints, views, and proposals before September 5, with submissions accepted via psicairport@gmail.com or WhatsApp at 070 3307700. “Appointments for discussions will then be scheduled,” the Presidential Media Division said.

SriLankan Airlines, re-nationalized in 2008 after the collapse of its partnership with Emirates, has since become one of the country’s largest financial liabilities.

The carrier is burdened with over USD 1.2 billion in debt, posting losses exceeding USD 100 million in 2023/24, despite partial recovery in passenger traffic. Watchdogs have pointed to inflated aircraft leasing, irregular procurement, and political interference as root causes of persistent losses.

AASL, which manages Sri Lanka’s international airports, has also faced allegations of tender rigging, inflated contracts, and delays in modernization projects flagged by the Civil Aviation Authority.

 

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