Sri Lanka paying $800,000 monthly for undelivered aircraft

Speaking at a press briefing today, Rathnayake described the payments as part of "a deeply corrupt legacy in civil aviation management", which has placed a heavy financial burden on the country’s struggling national carrier.

In stark contrast, he noted that a newly leased Airbus A330-200 from France—procured under the current administration costs only USD 275,000 per month, highlighting the significant discrepancy in contract value and transparency.

“The previous deals were not just financially irresponsible—they were outright fraudulent,” Rathnayake stated. “We are now paying for planes that were never delivered, while facing a growing national debt.”

An investigation into the prior leasing arrangements is currently underway, with authorities working to identify those responsible and to explore options for legal redress and contract termination.

The minister also emphasized the government's commitment to reforming aviation procurement practices and rebuilding public trust in SriLankan Airlines.