SriLankan Airlines is once again at the center of political and public debate after Right to Information disclosures exposed details of a controversial aircraft lease agreement that critics say raises serious concerns about accountability and long-term financial planning.
At the heart of the controversy is an Airbus A330-200, registered as 4R-ALT, which joined the airline’s fleet in June 2025 under an eight-year operating lease agreement. Although government officials celebrated the aircraft’s arrival as part of the national carrier’s recovery program, newly disclosed financial records have intensified scrutiny over the true cost of the arrangement.
Documents obtained after a lengthy battle before the Right to Information Commission show that the airline agreed to pay USD 275,000 per month for the aircraft. Over the duration of the agreement, which runs until June 2033, the total cost is expected to reach approximately USD 26.6 million.
The disclosures have prompted sharp criticism from opposition politicians and sections of the aviation sector, who argue that the government failed to clearly communicate the age and condition of the aircraft to the public.
Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara accused authorities of presenting the aircraft as a fresh addition to the fleet while downplaying the fact that the Airbus is already 14 years old. He questioned why the state airline committed to a long-term lease on an aging aircraft at a time when Sri Lanka continues to face economic pressures and public spending constraints.
Additional concerns have focused on the aircraft’s operating efficiency. Information emerging through the RTI process suggested the plane had previously been retired by an Indonesian carrier because of comparatively high fuel consumption. Critics argue that although the lease rate appears lower than some previous contracts, maintenance and fuel expenses could substantially increase the real operational cost over time.
The issue has also revived broader concerns about transparency within SriLankan Airlines. The carrier initially resisted releasing details of the agreement, claiming the information was commercially sensitive. That position was later rejected by the Information Commission, which ordered the airline to disclose financial details linked to the lease.
Government ministers continue to defend the transaction, insisting the agreement reflects a more responsible approach compared with earlier administrations. Minister Bimal Rathnayake argued that the current lease is far cheaper than previous deals that allegedly left the country paying nearly USD 800,000 monthly for aircraft that were never delivered.
The controversy comes during a period of significant restructuring within the national airline. SriLankan Airlines has abandoned earlier privatization plans and is instead pursuing a state-led recovery strategy aimed at stabilizing operations and rebuilding the fleet.
The airline currently operates 23 aircraft, including 10 wide-body Airbus A330s and 13 narrow-body A320 and A321 aircraft. Officials hope to expand the fleet to 25 aircraft before the end of 2026.
At the same time, the carrier is attempting to resolve a long-running grounded aircraft crisis caused largely by engine shortages. Government statements revealed that previous administrations spent almost USD 9 million per month maintaining three grounded aircraft over several years.
While one grounded aircraft has already returned to service, authorities say the remaining aircraft are also expected to resume operations soon. However parliamentary discussions and oversight committee findings continue to highlight deeper structural issues, including reports that 31 of the airline’s 45 international routes were operating at a loss by late 2025, largely because of heavy financing costs and legacy debt burdens.
