Minister hiding real issue in SriLankan, 13 flights cancelled within 5 days: Dayasiri

23 June 2023 11:46 am - 19 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Claiming that Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva was trying to suppress the real issue in SriLankan Airlines, Parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara said 13 flights have been cancelled within five days this week.

The MP told Parliament that 13 flights have been cancelled from June 18 to 22 and there are no pilots for 80 flights.

He said the passengers who have booked their flights have been accommodated in nearby hotels.

“Millions of rupees may have to be spent on this,” he charged.

Jayasekara said the subject Minister was trying to suppress the real issue in SriLankan Airlines and was trying to create a situation to sell off the airline.

“The pilots are demanding a payment due for them during the Covid period. Nearly 50 percent of the pilots worked during the Covid period even though flights were grounded,” he said.

The MP also said people have to face huge inconveniences as vehicles of passengers are not allowed to enter the airport premises.

“They have to tug their luggage along the road and to the passenger lounge,” he said.(Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)

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Comments - 19

Citizen Friday, 23 June 2023 12:02 PM

Like Keheliya, Siripala, Amaraweera, Bandula and the Bithara/ Kukul /Paan Minister must forthwith resign?

Goodson Burnington Friday, 23 June 2023 01:20 PM

With the pressure on Sri Lankan airlines to complete scheduled flights, it will only be a matter of time before an aircraft unfit to fly is forced into service and, an air crash occurs. Good luck !

Sajith Friday, 23 June 2023 01:25 PM

"Nearly 50 percent of the pilots worked during the Covid period even though flights were grounded,” he said. If the flights were grounded, what was the work done by the pilots?

Sri Lankan now only has the older and inexperienced pilots left Friday, 23 June 2023 01:45 PM

Real issue is having Sri Lankan citizens only as pilots means only the older and waning pilots are left along with some less experienced one. Older pilots can't do additional hours like those in their 20s and 30s. More risk of ill health to push themselves. All the capable pilots up to age 35 have gone to other airlines which pay double or treble the salaries. Ending the citizenship block for recruiting overseas born pilots would be a start to fix up the problem of lack of pilots. There are many other problems with having recruited Sri Lankans only for the cabin crew, and ground staff as well.

Rathinam Navaratnam Friday, 23 June 2023 02:11 PM

Privatizing the Sri Lankan is the only way for efficient, timely and profitable operation. But it appears investors do not want to buy Sri Lankan due to the billions current liability / losses, which the government uses as an excuse. Notwithstanding the above government will have to take difficult steps to find a good buyer.

Government MPs will get lessor treatment if it is sold, so they do want to sell airline Saturday, 24 June 2023 06:13 PM

There are always people willing to buy Sri Lankan, just that government does not want accept their offers for being too low. The losses are meant to be transferred to the government in the event of new buyer coming in. Sooner airline is sold, the sooner the vast majority of staff who are less capable than their positions need can be laid off. Also a lot of MP will not get the fawning VIP treatment once they have compete with public for higher paid classes. So there is an element of corruption holding back things. Last time CEO stood up to corrupt behaviour the second loss making airline of Mahindia/Mihin air was created by the then government.

Gihan Friday, 23 June 2023 02:20 PM

So they are on work to rule and asking to be paid for not doing work?

Dulanjoli Premadosa Friday, 23 June 2023 05:30 PM

Bring back Rohan Jayakody as chairman. Now the leeches of Diyawannawa are destroying the world's worst airline.

Too much nepo baby get job at Sri Lankan Saturday, 24 June 2023 06:09 PM

You expecting to get easy job with that inapt man? Having independent person rather than another government puppet is better.

Kabir Hashim Friday, 23 June 2023 05:30 PM

Privatize everything.

Sivalingam Friday, 23 June 2023 05:31 PM

Rude lazy arrogant staff following the minister example of chicanery.

Tissa Fernando Friday, 23 June 2023 06:29 PM

There is a conspiracy to expedite selling of the Airline at throwaway prices by manipulating the operational activities.

Ding dong Saturday, 24 June 2023 04:57 AM

Indian Airlines or IndiGo, please takeover Srilankan airlines

Boru No Atha ..... 100% Saturday, 24 June 2023 10:37 AM

Daya you are 100% correct. Nimal Siripala is trying to hide the pumpkin under his boot, he is dam liar and a looter, we know how he earned from all projects in Badulla and built his mansions in Sri Lanka and in UK.

P.P.T. Palitha Perera Saturday, 24 June 2023 10:40 AM

Plans have been drawn to sell Air Lanka soon. What a curse to our country because of these rogues (Potuwa Politicians) still trying to cheat and fill their pockets.

Felix Karunaratne (Sub-contractor) Saturday, 24 June 2023 10:45 AM

Sir, do you know Siripala Sirs new mansion is under construction and I too did subcontract work. He is spending a lot for this mansion. May be all these money came from Commissions.

kondaya77 Sunday, 25 June 2023 12:35 AM

Sri Lankans cannot run a railway safely,how can they run a air line?

ANNECUNT Sunday, 25 June 2023 03:20 AM

NEVER VOTE FOR A SLPP CANDIDATE, EVEN IF THEY GIVE YOU A LUNCH PACKET AND A BOTTLE OF ARRACK

UMAS ALI Sunday, 25 June 2023 05:57 PM

Wait till namal becomes president, our children will have to beg on streets

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Minister hiding real issue in SriLankan, 13 flights cancelled within 5 days: Dayasiri

Comments - 19

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