Stakeholders’ proposals to decide SriLankan agreement

Shirley WIJESINGHE

The next agreement of SriLankan Airlines will be signed after considering proposals of stakeholders including Trade Unions by a special committee, Ports and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa said at a press conference yesterday.

The Minister said that no agreement will be signed unless it is profitable to the Government and favourable to the employees.

“All proposals and suggestions are welcomed by the Ministry for betterment of the employees as well as the institution,” he said. Minister Rajapaksa assured that the construction of Hambantota Port is being continued and pledged that it will be concluded six months prior to the date estimated earlier.

“The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) related with the proposed Weerawila airport has been received by the Ministry and now is being published for the public review,” the Minister said.

“Funds for the new airport will depend on our own funds and we hope to commence construction before next March,” he said. “Only laying of the foundation stone without considering the environmental and sociological factors are not practical for any project such as the Weerawila Airport,” the Minister added.

President, Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevake Sangamaya of the Sri Lankan Airlines, S.A. Dharmaratne and Union Chief Organiser, Arunditha Fernando appreciated the Minister’s support and Deputy Minister Sarath Gunaratne to resolve the “13th Salary Payment” of SriLankan Airlines employees under President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s directions.

The agreement was signed 10 years ago, Emirates holds 42 per cent, stakeholders seven per cent and the Government 51 per cent.