The Sri Lankan parliament's Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has recommended SriLankan Airlines (UL, Colombo International) pause its planned fleet roll-over drive pending more political and financial scrutiny.

Committee Chairman MP Charitha Herath advised the state-owned airline that in light of the unprecedented financial crisis ravaging the island country, SriLankan Airlines should submit its plans to dry-lease up to 21 aircraft needed to replace those whose leases are due to expire shortly, for further analysis. He requested the carrier pause the process for three months. During that time, the government should prepare procurement guidelines.

The COPE has no legislative powers without the approval of the entire parliament and its recommendations are not binding.

Airline chairman Ashok Pathirage warned that it needs time to progress with the procurement before its current aircraft leases expire. He agreed, however, to more transparency going forward. Pathirage estimated that the airline needed 6-12 months to secure new aircraft. And while the COPE agreed, it said that financial prudence must be prioritised.

SriLankan Airlines recently issued Requests for Proposals covering the dry-lease of 42 aircraft in total, split into two 21-strong batches of current- and new-generation regional, narrowbody, and widebody aircraft. The RFPs are exploratory as the airline only intends to dry lease 21 aircraft in total. First deliveries were tentatively planned for December 2022. While some of the aircraft would be for replacement, the carrier also intends to expand its fleet from the current 24 aircraft to 35 by the end of 2025.