Srilankan Airlines scam President and PM call for stern action against all responsible

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana   

Both President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had directed the relevant authorities to take stern action against all who are responsible for the Srilankan Airlines scam including former CEO Kapila Chandrasena, State Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage told Parliament yesterday.  

Mr. Aluthgamage said the government will do its utmost to take action against the wrongdoers.   “The opposition is only talking about the corruption involved in modernising the fleet of the national carrier. However the airline would have been profitable now if acquiring of the new fleet went ahead,” he said.   He said the country has lost USD 115 million due to cancellation of the agreement to acquire the new fleet. “Certain persons have obtained commissions when cancelling the acquisition of the new fleet. It had been cancelled without cabinet approval,” he said.