Oct 23, Colombo: Sri Lankan authorities have launched an extensive investigation into a defect found in the aircraft scheduled to be used for the President Mahinda Rajapaksa's tour to Dubai.

A special committee headed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation Ravindra Ruberu has been appointed to probe the incident, the state-run radio SLBC said.

The Presidential Security Division has reportedly detected the defect in the aircraft scheduled for President's tour.

The Civil Aviation Authority is also conducting a separate investigation into the matter.

Civil Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne meanwhile, has requested the Inspector General of Police to conduct another investigation through the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, SriLankan Airlines also will initiate an inquiry into the reported defect, its chairman Nishantha Wickremasinghe has said.

According to the national carrier, airline technicians have detected a defective air conditioner prior to the President's departure and his flight was delayed due to the technical problem.