The Government is moving ahead with plans to introduce a public-private partnership (PPP) model for SriLankan Airlines, according to Aviation Minister Anura Kuranathilake.
Speaking during a televised discussion, the Minister acknowledged that maintaining the national carrier using taxpayer funds is becoming increasingly unsustainable.
He stated that the Government is currently required to provide substantial financial assistance to keep the airline operational, revealing that around Rs. 90 billion is expected to be allocated up to 2030 at a rate of nearly Rs. 30 billion annually.
According to the Minister, SriLankan Airlines has also requested an additional Rs. 10 billion to continue operations.
“This cannot continue forever. It is unfair because even people who have never seen an aircraft are contributing through their taxes to maintain the airline,” he said.
Minister Kuranathilake stated that the Government has now decided to pursue a public-private partnership model and is currently preparing investment proposals to invite investors.
He added that a separate institution would be assigned to manage the investor process and expressed confidence that investments could be secured within this year.
However, the Minister clarified that the Government does not intend to fully privatise SriLankan Airlines.
He stressed that maintaining some level of State involvement in a national carrier remains important, particularly during emergencies.
As examples, he referred to SriLankan Airlines’ role in repatriating Sri Lankan students stranded in China during the COVID-19 pandemic and arranging special flights for Sri Lankan schoolchildren stranded in India following a highway accident.
“We believe there should be at least some level of Government involvement in a national airline for emergency situations,” he said.
The Minister further noted that the Government hopes to retain existing State assets within the airline while introducing private investment under a joint partnership structure.
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