Who benefited from cancelling the Airbus deal?

Colombo (News 1st) - Bribes and commissions were taken when purchasing aircraft as well as cancelling agreements made to purchase aircraft according to State Min. of Renewable Energy & Power Mahindananda Aluthgamage. Addressing a media briefing on Wednesday (Feb 26), Aluthgamage noted that both parties involved in such criminal acts should be punished. While accepting that the SriLankan airlines CEO that was appointed under their administration accepted a bribe, the Minister reminded that the decision to cancel the aircraft purchasing agreement was communicated through Charitha Ratwatte, then advisor to PM Ranil Wickremesinghe, through a text message. He added that this decision cost the Government a penalty fee of US$ 115mn. However, according to the state minister, Airbus only received US$ 85mn and an investigation is underway to identify the intermediary who benefited from this transaction. ".. The UNP led government, during their tenure, introduced new ways of looting public funds. Where in history do we come across obtaining bribes by terminating agreements?.." - Mahindananda Commenting on the bond scam, Aluthgamage noted that the funds looted through the bond scam was used for Ranil Wickremesinghe's election campaign, to buy houses for ministers and to pay kickbacks to COPE members as well as UNP organisers.