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Government will explore possibility of amending Air Lanka deal - PM

The UNP Executive Committee yesterday urged Party Leader Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to launch an immediate investigation into the Air Lanka privatisation agreement signed during the previous regime, a UNP news release said.

They pointed out that prior to the signing of the agreement the PA Government urgently made arrangements to purchase some Airbus aircraft and recalled that the UNP which was then in the Opposition demanded a debate in Parliament on the issue as they suspected corruption behind the deal.

In reply, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe said that Aviation Minister Tilak Marapana is now studying the matter. Steps will be taken to abrogate the agreement if there had been corruption. Since a total scrutiny of the agreement would take a long time, the government will start discussions with Emirates next week to explore the possibility of amending the agreement in a manner that benefits the country and the people, the Prime Minister said.

Messrs Thilak Marapana, Charitha Ratwatte, R.Paskaralingam and Malik Samarawickrema will represent the Government at these talks.

Executive Committee members noted that the airline has recouped some losses suffered in the aftermath of the attack on the Katunayake airport from insurance claims and ground handling charges. The airline should be turned into a profitable venture and the high ground fees should be brought down, they said, adding that the government should have a bigger say in the decision-making process at the airline.

The Premier replied that all these factors would be considered in seeking to amend the agreement. SriLankan Airlines has obtained landing rights in Bangalore and Buddhagaya after discussions with the Indian government, he added. 

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