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Last Updated : 2024-05-19 14:11:00
14 July 2023 10:52 pm - 62 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation today said if all SriLankan Airlines pilots leave the country for greener pastures, the government will get foreign pilots to run the national carrier.
Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said those who have no love for the country might leave it for better foreign employment opportunities and this scenario is common with doctors, engineers and other professionals.
“It is common everywhere else in the world. They may be getting higher pay elsewhere. If they go to Dubai or Singapore their house rent is high, their children’s school fees are high, and their living expenses are high. But they will not live comfortably as they do in Sri Lanka.
A doctor in London would get 5,000 pounds per month whereas in Sri Lanka they get only Rs.150,000 and domestic workers would earn Rs.150,000 in the Middle East, whilst they get only Rs.75,000 here. We still have 216 pilots remaining in hand. If all the pilots are leaving, then we will get foreign pilots to run,” the Minister said responding to a question as to what measures the government has taken to prevent the exodus of pilots.
Minister De Silva made these remarks to the media at the first ever Sri Lanka Aviation Day - July 14, 2023, themed ‘Rebuilding the Skies – Positioning Sri Lanka Aviation for Growth’, which was organised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) in collaboration with International Air Transport Authority (IATA) in Katunayake today.
“Restructuring SriLankan Airlines is a necessity. We spend USD 150 million annually to run our national carrier. When the pandemic hit the world the entire aviation industry was badly affected. Airplanes were grounded for months, and this was a world scenario. The media in Sri Lanka does not understand this. They always say we are failing.
But SriLankan Airlines is recovering fast. They have never sacked a single staff member during Covid, whereas Kuwait Airways sacked 70 of its members. The Sri Lanka aviation industry is recovering faster than the world average. And our airport has managed to score 92 points in a research on safest airports conducted by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recently,” the Minister said.
Director General CAASL P. A. Jayakantha said many new features are being introduced to convert the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) into a smart airport. Introducing new airlines, the new e-passport and e-gates are such features. Also, the work of Terminal Two will be started with the backing of the Japanese Government, JICA by September.
Regional Vice President of IATA Philip Goh from Singapore said Sri Lanka is performing a notable recovery in its aviation industry and the SL passenger level will rise by 2025.
“The world lost USD 180 billion between 2020 and 2022, which is a massive amount. Having an upgraded airport is the first step for a developed industry. Digitizing passenger and cargo handling is the next. Keeping costs low including fuel factor will help to grow, whilst maintaining safety and having a low carbon emission situation are the other key factors,” Goh said.
Chairman Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka Mag. Gen (Rtd.) G. A. Chandrasiri, CEO SriLankan Airlines Richard Nuttal, Secretary Ports, Shipping and Aviation K. D. S. Ruwanchandra and Vice Chairman CAASL Damith Narangoda were among the guests who participated. (Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana)
Eardley Charles Friday, 14 July 2023 11:18 PM
Minister Sripala...I think he would have been sleeping when he made this comment. No sane person could have made such a comment
Travelling person Friday, 14 July 2023 11:19 PM
During the war days we had pilots from UKRAINE to fly the airforce. Sure SL can easily get foreign pilots. That’s the way to go. Well said minister.
Poochie Baba Saturday, 15 July 2023 07:53 AM
so you think a foreign pilot will come for the same salary as a Sri Lankan pilot..thinik again. Give more salary to our pilots and they will stay.
ACA Friday, 14 July 2023 11:26 PM
Yes, there is a queue of pilots waiting to Join the bankrupt airline? We have jokers in the cabinet.
Pantha Kumaran Friday, 14 July 2023 11:33 PM
This man is talking rubbish. This man is well known for deals. Ministers are corrupt. The government is corrupt. Today our country is in this situation due to corrupt politicians. Do not blame pilots.
ponna pohottu Friday, 14 July 2023 11:34 PM
south Sudan, and mali kamikaze pilots ..who else?
If pilots aren't Sri Lankan, how can the airline be called Sri Lankan anymore Friday, 14 July 2023 11:38 PM
Minister is making grave mistake. He is selling out of the identify of our Sri Lankan airline if he gets foreign pilots. Sri Lankan has had such a safe record because we have local citizen pilots. Sri Lankan should not be allowed to be called by our national country name if it starts employing those of foreign citizenship. When will the Maha Nayake thero speak up against this perverted plan of the Minister.
Jude Saturday, 15 July 2023 12:18 AM
But smartest thing is to ground the damn gigantic money losing Srilankan airlines,!!
Vadivelu Yogaratnam Saturday, 15 July 2023 12:41 AM
A real joker.
kondaya77 Saturday, 15 July 2023 12:45 AM
This minister is a ignorant fool,foreign pilots cost way more than you pay local pilots.Do the maths you fool.
Sam Saturday, 15 July 2023 01:32 AM
The Attitude says it all.
Captain Had'it Saturday, 15 July 2023 01:35 AM
I have a pilots license and my own parachute. I bought both at a bazar in Nepal. I can take off a plane but can never pass an exam to land it. Can I fly your Dead Monara?
Sam Silva Saturday, 15 July 2023 02:23 AM
And you are going to pay them in dollars when the airlines is operating in tremendous losses.
Ama Saturday, 15 July 2023 02:30 AM
5000 pounds Before or After TAX ??
Anyone is better than current local cadre Sunday, 16 July 2023 05:35 PM
Reliable pilots from UK worth more than 5000 rupee a month lazy locals. If any new ones trained, they will either ask for great pay or leave, so getting from overseas is only option. Overseas airlines aren't racist to hold on like here insisting on their own nationals as pilots as that goes against getting best pilots for best price.
Dilshan Perera Saturday, 15 July 2023 02:33 AM
First measure to solve problems with pilots is to sack this worthless old sleepy minister..
NM Fernando Saturday, 15 July 2023 02:56 AM
SriLankan Airlines have some of the best pilots around. They'd be foolish to lose them.
Kundan Palan Saturday, 15 July 2023 03:03 AM
Gon Pala back again with a bribe case!
Observer Saturday, 15 July 2023 03:12 AM
When we have fools like this Minister no one from overseas requires to be invented to destroy this country.
Tissa Fernando Saturday, 15 July 2023 04:58 AM
We should first get the Minster from abroad. That will save billions for next 2 years.
සුදු මහත්තයා හොයනවද Sunday, 16 July 2023 05:44 PM
Are you looking for a fairer skinned Minister believing they are somehow better?
Mohan Saturday, 15 July 2023 05:41 AM
Love for the country!? Have you politicians had love for the country, we wouldn't have this situation!
Ram Saturday, 15 July 2023 06:10 AM
Minister making humorous statements. We are a bankrupt country and have no money to engage foreign Pilots with high wages. Perhaps if the Minister is willing to fund the payment of high wages from his personal funds it may be possible.
Nimal Saturday, 15 July 2023 06:10 AM
How can a severely bankrupt airline, which has always been a burden on the country pay foreign pilots. Absolute nonsense.
ravin Saturday, 15 July 2023 06:11 AM
Is he day dreaming? or is he planning to make a deal with recruiting agency?
Chennai boy Saturday, 15 July 2023 06:28 AM
Good luck
Bandu Saturday, 15 July 2023 06:29 AM
Dumb minister, you can get foreign pilots they cost lot more than local pilots. Political crooks have run the SL airline to the ground. When has it last made a profit? Privatise the airline.
Mahila Sunday, 16 July 2023 04:13 AM
MaRa has already driven the FINAL nail in the coffin in January 2008!!!??? Chance any sane respected airline party (Foreign) would envisage investing in Joint venture is very remote!!!??? Hence Sri Lankan is on a very bad wicket for Joint venture, until atleast, MaRa is out of the SL Political firmament for good, doesn’t seem to be near at all!!!???? Next MaRa trip to Thirupathy, he may want to unload 100 passengers!? Who will GUARANTEE otherwise! Pathetic state of Nation is solely due Mismanagement by Politicians result 'People at Large', Suffer!!??
Citizen k Saturday, 15 July 2023 06:33 AM
Glad to hear the minister say that foreign pilots can be hired .Their wages will be ten times higher and tax free .if we should pay that kind of wages to our pilots they will gladly stay in Sri Lanka.Over to you minister.
Arnold Saturday, 15 July 2023 07:32 AM
ITs like stupid fools telling if you cant afford bread, EAT CAKE!!
Mohamed Saturday, 15 July 2023 07:44 AM
Sri Lankan born and trained under senior Sri Lankan pilots have developed very special skills in landing and other saftey measures. Best in the world. I am not at scared when frying in Sri Lankan.
Premalal Perera Saturday, 15 July 2023 07:50 AM
Why not use private bus drivers. They are as fast.
Citizen Saturday, 15 July 2023 07:55 AM
It is time for the Minister to leave the portfolio than ask pilots to leave. Is he talking through his porthole?
Coppra Saturday, 15 July 2023 08:25 AM
This country is not worthy of any comments either. It's a shame that. But that's reality a banana republic ruled and ruined by racist. Adiós
Sambo Saturday, 15 July 2023 08:31 AM
What a stupid statement made by the minister of transport
Gaston Saturday, 15 July 2023 08:44 AM
I say Siripala, you can afford to pay them with the money you received from the Japanese Contractor?
Russel Bergman Saturday, 15 July 2023 09:02 AM
For foreign Piolets can you pay in millions Mr. Zero knowledge minister? What are you talking? Bull shit.
Zarook Samsudeen Saturday, 15 July 2023 09:03 AM
Then what will be your commission per Foreign Piolet? 20% or more than Basil's commission.
Sokrates Saturday, 15 July 2023 09:10 AM
Here again a minister speaks who has no idea of his ministerial subject and apparently is not exactly gifted with an outstanding intelligence. Pilots have a responsible job on which hundreds of lives depend. A good salary must be paid for this. "Love for the country" is not enough. A SriLankan pilot ends his career at around US$ 850/m while female pilots earn another 15% less. The average salary for Emirates pilots is US$ 8000/m. At the German Luthansa, a senior captain earns 23,000 euros/m (LKR 7,600,000). A foreign pilot at Sri Lankan gets around US$ 8,000, but half of this is paid out in rupees. So how does the minister intend to attract foreign pilots? Maybe with the fact that the pilots get access to the lounge again? In the next 6 years, around 300,000 new pilots will be needed worldwide, with Sri Lanka certainly not being the first choice because of its "comfortably living". Also nobody believes that you pay your domestic workers LKR 75000.
G.I. JOE Saturday, 15 July 2023 09:15 AM
A citizen can’t pump a full tank of gas from a shed without restrictions so can barely go out of Colombo. You can’t sleep at night at home and not be worried about some crook breaking in to rob you or rape your family. You can’t send your child to school and expect the teachers to provide the absolute best education they can and not depend on private tuition. You can’t go to a supermarket and buy quality food or household items without wondering how you’re going to afford the next grocery run. After working your butt off you get your pay-check and then to see more than 1/3 of it is robbed by the IRD and you can’t even see your tax money being put to work to make the Country a better place. You can’t go to a government hospital and not be depressed about how poor the standard of basic healthcare is, despite being a tax payer. So what “comfort” is this twit taking about?? Of course anyone that can go will run from this Country and never look back!
Ray Silva Saturday, 15 July 2023 09:15 AM
What joker of a minister, sure foreign pilots will be queuing up to join a bankrupt air line! Please resign and retire, you have made enough money from the public!
Zaza Saturday, 15 July 2023 09:27 AM
They have no love for the country. Yes! Mr. Minister. With all your love, what have you done to us? Raped us and the Nation from all sides yet talk bull shit.
Mandayan Saturday, 15 July 2023 10:09 AM
Top to bottom in cabinet, all but stupidity and arrogant!
TukTuk driver wanting to be Pilot Saturday, 15 July 2023 10:21 AM
A lot of highly qualified tuk tuk drivers would step in for the foreign pilots.
Jerome Saturday, 15 July 2023 11:51 AM
If our ministers cannot perform well then we could hire ministers from foreign countries as well.
Siri Saturday, 15 July 2023 11:53 AM
We don't think the Foreign pilots will be willing to offer bribes just to get a job with lower salary.
Nihal S Saturday, 15 July 2023 12:07 PM
Sad that no Government can get rid of this guy. Useless fellow, who is there to collect commission and to sleep.
Ziyard Saturday, 15 July 2023 01:05 PM
Expecting foreign pilots. Are they working for Sri Lankan Rupees? Most of the jokers in our country politicians. World knows.
Asitha Saturday, 15 July 2023 04:38 PM
Start a flying school Minister, you may be able to imrove the situation, you can find enough youths who like to fly.
dickie bird Saturday, 15 July 2023 05:09 PM
What a Moron..... Leave alone the $$ payment, all Airlines in the world face the same problem after COVID, The Pilots as well as other staff has moved on to other fields after COVID.
Joker Saturday, 15 July 2023 05:25 PM
During the war foreign pilots were hired for $3000 a month, when local pilots earned Rs.3000. So stupid crooks shouldn't talk of love for the country.
Sadly overseas pilots with certain appearance will be considered better Sunday, 16 July 2023 05:32 PM
Local pilots are lower quality, therefore have to be paid less. But pilots with lighter skin will be looked up by the public as superior, which is unfortunate effect of the racist culture here. I think pilots skin colour is not relevant, but try tell that to public who venerate the suduma sudu aya.
Country had wildlife which do not like humans at all Sunday, 16 July 2023 05:39 PM
Country does not love anyone back. All the nature which was here before human ever came here do not like humans as they take away wildlife environment. Country is just the culture of people.
Nidikumbayaa Saturday, 15 July 2023 05:42 PM
Are you awake ?
Buddhist Saturday, 15 July 2023 06:12 PM
Get rid of this minister and most of the issues will be resolved.
Buddhist Saturday, 15 July 2023 06:19 PM
Paga requesting minister does not realize that foreign pilots will ask for more money than what SL pilots are asking!
More reliable pilots will cost more Sunday, 16 July 2023 05:37 PM
If they ask for more, and not worthy they will not be employed. However, if they are more reliable, and allows airline to therefore increase fees, government will be happy. Public will suffer for flying Sri Lankan either way.
Fred Saturday, 15 July 2023 06:46 PM
We have foreign aid, foreigners advising us on everything, now foreign pilots why not also foreign parliamentarians.They should do a good job should make it easier for aid givers will even facilitate business when they speak the same lingo.Don't worry they will adopt fast, country should improve when you get them from the developed countries which are democratic Otherwise get the job done and stop blaming your team.Have to lead from the front
Way to go Siripala Saturday, 15 July 2023 07:22 PM
Brave maverick diehard politician. Good luck!! We don't need an airline. Close down. Save the money for education. The airport toilets smell bad. Don't sleep in the parliament. It looks very bad
Omar Mohamed Saturday, 15 July 2023 10:54 PM
There is no cure for dementia. Only hope is God. Pandemic is an excuse for fools. An airline running at a loss for years and he is talking of foreign pilots.
Das Sunday, 16 July 2023 10:44 AM
At least now people in the country should realize not vote for pensioners or someone 60 or 65 yrs , from the blunders
Nilmini Welivita Monday, 17 July 2023 07:54 AM
Simple, train air stewards to pilot the fleet.
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