Sri Lanka, Feb. 14 -- A share issue has been planned for the national carrier SriLankan Airlines, and it is being planned to help certain companies to buy it over, an Opposition MP alleged today.

MP Dayasiri Jayasekera told the media that plans are afoot for a share issue of SriLankan Airlines under which Rs 2.5 billion worth of shares are to be sold at Rs. 100 each.

"The plan is for the Treasury to purchase shares of the national carrier. This is to be done to stabilise the national carrier. This will enable certain companies to buy over the airline, especially SriLankan Catering and the ground handling which they are interested in " Jayasekera said.

"No one is interested in the national carrier now as it is overwhelmed by debts. ...