Namal’s Stewardess’ ‘Unelected’ Union Exposes SriLankan Airlines Fraud

February 2, 2016

Namal Rajapaksa’s stewardess girl’s ‘unelected’ group of cabin crew union members, having sent a letter of demand to the airline’s management have gone on to expose a financial fraud that the national carrier has been guilty of, Colombo Telegraph can reveal today.

Assistant Secretary Senanaya

The letter of demand sent by Assistant SecretaryNithya Senanaya Samaranayaka and her team without the consent or knowledge of its 1082 strong membership, is that the airline has not paid the crew Employee Provident Fund (EPF) and Employee Trust Fund (ETF) for meal allowances earned since its inception.

In their quest to prove that the airline had deprived the crew of EPF /ETF on meal allowances received both internationally and locally, they have highlighted that the airline has made payments to its staff in the billions and neglected to make it known to the treasury.

A present day crew member’s meal allowance earnings on overseas flights is approximately US $ 1000.

This is not been reflected as earnings in their official monthly salary.

Further the claim also goes on to expose a far more serious fraud where meal allowances earned for turnaround flights are converted to the rupee equivalent and paid separately along with their salary.

This payment too is untaxed and paid in violation of Inland Revenue statutes.

A senior manager of the airline speaking on condition of anonymity, as he is not permitted to speak to the media confirmed that the letter of demand had been received by the airline’s management.

“This claim which runs into the billions will seal the fate of the airline and cost the near 6800 employees their jobs.” the senior manager went on to say.

Others who have benefitted from this arrangement such as the airline’s pilots and engineers have now been caught off guard too by this demand.

Colombo Telegraph can confirm that an unofficial meeting took place between the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Suren Ratwatte and the ‘unelected’ FAU committee yesterday. The CEO scoffed at the genuineness of their representation and told them to furnish proof of their legitimacy if they wished to meet him officially.                                          Read More