SriLankan-Emirates partnership one of the most successful ventures - President

BY ASANGA Warnakulasuriya

PRESIDENT Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga said yesterday that the semi-privatisation of AirLanka (SriLankan) was one of the most successful partnership ventures entered into by any Government in the history of Sri Lanka.

"It was a difficult and controversial decision to sell AirLanka which was gasping for breath with six of its fleet of nine lying in an unusable condition".

Instead the PA Government continuing to own the majority of shares decided on a more positive partnership bringing in new investment that could introduce new technologies to civil aviation in the country," President Kumaratunga said.

Addressing the distinguish gathering at the launching of "Monara Rising", a book on civil aviation authored by Grahame Wilson to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Civil Aviation history in Sri Lanka, the President said that at that time the decision for a partnership with Emirates was criticised by economists with self interests and private agendas for corruption and dishonesty.

After seven years, SriLankan Airlines with a fleet of 17 aircraft and flights to 23 countries is a clear indication that our decision has been vindicated, President Kumaratunga said.

Congratulating the SriLankan Airline staff for their achievement, the President said the management within the next 10 years should strive to achieve more comfortable flights to the best destinations in the world so that it will attract the higher levels of the market.

Ports, Aviation and Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera said that the Government realising the fact that upgrading the gateways to the world (harbour and airport) is vital to a country's development launched a comprehensive airport expansion program to bring in ultra modern technologies to Sri Lanka.

Minister Samaraweera said that to cope with the increasing passenger traffic, the Bandaranaike International Airport will be expanded to a level where several A380 airbuses will be able to land simultaneously.

In line with the expansion project and for the convenience of the passengers, eight aero bridges will be completed by October 2005.

The Government also hopes to upgrade the Koggala airport to international standards and as an alternative airport to the BIA. The feasibility study has been completed by a US agency, the Minister said. Special priority will be given to that Ratmalana airport to make it a regional airport enabling flights to neighbouring countries.

The Government also hopes to bring a new Civil Aviation Policy to Parliament within the next few months to replace the existing Civil Aviation Act which was enacted in 1950. This new policy will ensure proper time management of the flight crew between flights.

SriLankan Chairman K. Balapatabendi, Emirates Chairman Shaik Ahamed Bin Shaid Al Maktoum and SriLankan Corporate Communication Manager Chandana Silva also graced the occasion.