Public Enterprise Development Minister Kabir Hashim told Parliament yesterday the government had ‘no choice’ but to cancel the three A 350 aircraft ordered for SriLankan Airlines.

He was answering a question raised by UPFA MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage.

Minister Hashim said it was necessary to cancel the three aircraft to avert a loss of Rs 32 billion.

The Public Enterprise Development Minister also told Parliament the decision to cancel the three aircrafts was not arbitrary but made after discussions with all relevant parties.

The Minister also alleged there were irregular dealings with the purchase of the three aircraft – he said the previous government had agreed to pay over and above the market value for the aircraft, incurring a loss of Rs. 644 million.

He reminded however that there were four A 350 aircrafts ordered by the previous Government which are not yet cancelled.