Sri Lanka’s government has propsoed LKR20bn (€65m) in aid for SriLankan Airlines during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s budget speech on February 17, 2025, to manage loan repayments and interest payments.
SriLankan Airlines CEO Richard Nuttall mentioned that the airline contributes 17% of its revenues to servicing financing costs while operational profitability has been maintained for three years amid challenges from legacy debt.
The airline plans to double its current fleet of 22 within five years, although Nuttall acknowledged the competitive leasing landscape and the urgency of replacing the older A330 fleet.
Regarding Sri Lanka’s tourism potential, Nuttall noted that the government prioritizes tourism as a key economic driver and believes state ownership of the airline could enhance its growth in the coming years.
