The Sri Lankan government has launched a criminal investigation into the country’s national airline over allegations of “shocking” corruption.

A statement from the prime minister’s office said that an inquiry had unearthed “major security breaches” at Sri Lankan Airlines.

The statement alleges irregularities in a $2.3bn purchase of 10 aircraft made under the previous government.

The loss-making airline is 95% state-owned and 5% owned by staff.

It is the latest in a string of corruption allegations made against the administration of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.