Sri Lanka’s state-owned airline company, SriLankan Airlines, known to be the most loss-making among government institutions, faces a further delay in receiving an investor restructuring.

Informed sources suggest that the international consultancy firm, Lazard, has been assigned to provide advice for the airline's restructuring; however, the consultancy report is yet to be received.

According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, discussions are ongoing regarding whether SriLankan Airlines, SriLankan Catering, and ground operations will be handed over to an investor separately or together. Speaking on the issue, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva confirmed that no clear decision has been made so far.

Once the Lazard consultation report is received, the cabinet will be informed, and necessary measures will be taken. However, until then, SriLankan Airlines' restructuring remains uncertain, and it continues to incur significant losses.

The delay in restructuring comes at a time when Sri Lanka's economy is struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact. Still, the Minister noted that some development at the Mattala Airport is expected with the arrival of planes from Russia.

SriLankan Airlines has been struggling financially for several years, and the government has been exploring various options to restructure the airline. The delay in receiving the consultancy report from Lazard is another setback in the airline's already tumultuous journey.