Responding to a question at the cabinet news briefing today (05), he said a Rs. 25 billion compensation would have to be paid in lieu of the cancellation of orders for aircraft to be purchased for the airline.

If the aircraft are purchased, the loss will be higher, he said.

Responding to another question, Senaratne said he would request the president to inquire into the extraordinary profit recorded by a private institution said to be involved in the Central Bank bond issue.