The loss caused due to the delays of eight SriLankan flights in recent days is about Rs. 1,950 million (US$ 6 million).
Even though in accordance with international laws, a pilot should fly at least 100 hours per month, according to the reports received, a pilot of the SriLankan Airline flies only about 60 hours per month.
These facts were revealed when Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva was inquiring about the delays in the flights of SriLankan Airlines from the management and trade unions.
Pointing out that the loss caused due to the delays of the SriLankan Airlines flights in recent days is about Rs. 1,950 million (US$ 6 million), the Minister also stated that in such a situation, no allowance or salary increase can be made to the employees at this juncture.
Minister De Silva held a special discussion with the management and trade unions of SriLankan Airlines and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) yesterday at the Ministry to inquire about the inconvenience caused to passengers due to the delay of about eight flights of SriLankan Airlines in the last few days.
When the engineers’ union representatives were asked about the reason for the flight delays, they pointed out that the delays were caused by technical faults in the aircraft. But the Civil Aviation Authority claimed that this situation was brought about by a work-to-rule Trade Union action.
After inquiring about this at length from the Trade Union representatives and the CAA, the Minister stated that there are about 260 pilots for the 21 aircraft currently in operation, and accordingly, 12 pilots are employed for each aircraft. He said that it is in accordance with international laws.
Also, according to international laws, a pilot should fly for 100 hours per month, and according to the reports received, a SriLankan Airlines pilot has flown for about 60 hours per month in the past. He pointed out that such issues would not arise.
He also said that there is a problem regarding salaries and allowances among these Trade Unions. SriLankan Airlines currently has a debt of US$ 1.2 billion and has to pay the interest for that. In the meantime, he said that since the loss caused by the delays of the flights in the last few days is about US$ 6 million, it is not possible to give any allowance or salary increase to the employees at this time.
But he emphasized to the Trade Union representatives that if the productivity is increased, some payment can be made.
Minister De Silva added that as the Aviation Minister, he has a great responsibility to provide high-quality service and accordingly, he decided to protect the rights of SriLankan Airlines and give other airlines the right to operate these flights. Accordingly, he said, the fifth freedom right will have to be given to other airlines to minimize the harassment caused to passengers.
“The fifth freedom right will need to be extended to other airlines,” he said.
Secretary of the Ministry K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ashok Pathirage, Civil Aviation Authority Chairman G.S. Withanage and Director General P.K. Jayakantha participated in this discussion.
