Independent Inquiry At SriLankan Airlines Goes Awry – Act II

By Rajeewa Jayaweera –November 5, 2016

Rajeewa Jayaweera

A few weeks ago, the general public learnt of a tragicomedy taking place at the loss making national carrier, SriLankan Airlines. It all began with three airline security officials attempting to carry out a random breathalyzer test on a senior captain when he reported to operate flight UL402 on August 28 to Bangkok. According to informed sources, the pilot claims he had not declined to undergo the breathalyzer test, but had questioned the security officials the basis on which he had been randomly selected to be tested. He had been eventually permitted to operate the flight without undergoing the test, but was subsequently suspended from duties without pay. Initially charged for refusing to undergo a breathalyzer test which amounts to being found under the influence of alcohol also known as positive testing, he was subsequently charge sheeted for other misdemeanors. During the inquiry held on October 04, the accused (pilot) had objected to the Inquiring Officer selected by the airline. An altercation had taken place during a previous inquiry when the accused had taken part in the capacity of Defending Officer. Due to objection raised, the inquiry had been postponed.

CEO – Suren Ratwatte

During a recent meeting, the Chief Executive Officer had been requested for an update on the inquiry. The CEO had briefed those present of the objection raised by the accused (pilot) to the Inquiring Officer appointed by the company, and of efforts being made by the HR Division to find a replacement. In response to a question raised on the justification in suspending the pilot without pay, the CEO had informed it was standard procedure.

It had then transpired, the company’s Manager Security Operations (MSO) too had been suspended from duties. He is the immediate supervisor of the three airline security officials involved in attempting to initially breathalyze the pilot. The MSO has been charged with failure to prevent a pilot testing positive, from operating the flight.

The suspension had taken place after the Pilot’s Guild had written to management to ascertain reasons for security staff involved in the incident not being suspended for permitting a pilot testing positive (according to management) from operating a flight.

The suspension of the MSO who was not present when the incident took place rather than the security officials involved could possibly be as a result of them having consulted their immediate supervisor for instructions, prior to permitting the pilot to operate the flight.

The CEO had pleaded ignorance to the query of the MSO too being suspended without pay. After consulting relevant staff, he had sheepishly informed that the MSO had been suspended with pay.

As reported in the media last Sunday, the issue had found its way to the Board of Directors who had resolved to pay the pilot his salary with arrears. A vote taken had resulted in four votes in favor of restoring the pilot’s salary and two votes including that of the Chairman against. It is understood both the Chairman and CEO are livid with the majority decision on grounds it undermines the management.

It is now left to be seen if the Board decision will be overturned by divine intervention which is standard operating procedure when Board decisions are contrary to the wishes of Royalty.

It is said in some quarters, this particular pilot who is a senior captain is considered a “Karadara Karayek” due to his straight talking no nonsense attitude.

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