President to address SriLankan Airlines staff

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will address the SriLankan airline management, employees and Unions on April 3.

Minister of Aviation, Chamal Rajapaksa will also attend the discussion.

A senior official of the airline said after the uncertainty created with Emirates team deciding not to renew their 10-year contract, employees now are confident that they could do an even better job than their management successor.

SriLankan Airline flight

“Employees questioned about their future but now with the Government appointing a new board comprised of experienced people there is confidence among the employees,” he said. He also said due to the stability created many are trying to get themselves recruited to the airline.

Government last week appointed Dr P B Jayasundera as Chairman with Nishantha

Wickremasinghe, Lalith De Silva and Sunil Wijesinha as Nominee Directors to represent the Government that holds 51.05 per cent shares.

Emirates Airline, which ended their management contract today, holds 43.63 per cent shares with Tim Clark, Gary Chapman and Nigel Hopkins representing them. SriLankan Airlines has scheduled to launch a number of programmes with its commencement under the new management from April 01.

An over night pirith chanting ceremony will be held in Katunayake on March 31 and the new catering service which will be starting off from April 01 has made arrangements to treat its passengers worldwide with truly Sri Lankan sweet meats on board in all SriLankan Airline flights scheduled on April 01.

Meanwhile, Port and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa has instructed the new management of SriLankan Airlines to take immediate measures to solve long awaiting employee problems and salary problems.

Sri Lankans travelling abroad to visit their relatives living there and Sri Lankans who are living abroad, returning to visit their relatives here using SriLankan Airlines will be offered special concessionary rates under news plans.

A policy decision has also been taken to use SriLankan Airlines in all foreign visits of all VIPs and Government officials as well.

The new management of SriLankan Airlines expects to elevate it as the State Airline under commercial standards.