A Way Out For SriLankan Airlines

By Sarath de Alwis –February 15, 2016

Sarath de Alwis

“We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them” – Albert Einstein

If the government is serious about rescinding the uneconomical and extravagant re fleeting program of SriLankan airlines, the solution is staring it in the face.

The response in parliament by the Prime Minister to a question by JVP MP Sunil Handunneththi on SriLankan Airlines is a sobering reminder that this government is yet to decide its aviation policy and what it plans to do with debt ridden national carrier.

It is also a disturbing forewarning that the government is yet to evolve its strategy for global connectivity in its grand design of the western province mega polis.

On the purchase of the eight Airbus 350 aircraft the Prime Minister has said ‘the government would have to decide whether to cancel the deal or go ahead with it. He has further amplified that 1.4 million dollars would have to be paid monthly if the government went ahead with the deal.

In the interest of transparency, the government should table in parliament the precise financial implications of the re fleeting of SriLankan airlines. The accurate details of this massive transaction remains shrouded in official obfuscation.                                                                Read More