Smooth transfer in SriLankan

Shirajiv Sirimane

The management change of SriLankan airlines would not have any negative impact for passengers and the employees, Manager Sri Lanka and Maldives Manoj Gunawardane said.

Speaking to the Daily News Business he said the operations of the airline would continue as usual.

“There is speculation created that passengers using the frequent flyer programme (Skywards) would be at a disadvantage due to the change. “There is no such thing and the passengers would not be penalised in any way,” he assured. The Skywards membership would be valid in the future as well.

Ask to comment on speculation that Mihin Lanka would be merged to SriLankan he said it is not a practical move. “In the first place Mihin Lanka is Government owned and the private sector owns shares in SriLankan. This is not a right blend,” he said.

Gunawardane said Mihin is a budget airline while SriLankan is not. Emirates management, which bought 43.2 percent shares 10 years ago, decided not to continue with their contract, which is ending on March 31. Subsequently the Government decided to manage the airline.

Meanwhile Lalith de Silva has been appointed to ensure the smooth transfer of the airline from Emirates to a local management. He will also look after Government interests.

The SriLankan Government last month cancelled the work permit of Peter Hill, the Sri Lankan Airlines chief executive who was seconded from Emirates, after the carrier refused seats to President Mahinda Rajapaksa and 35 officials who were visiting the UK.

Emirates has valued its stake in SriLankan at about $150m and Clark said its purchase would be “a hell of an opportunity” for any regional, South-east Asian or Indian carriers, considering it had 100 flights to India a week and several unused routes.

He said Sri Lankan investors might be interested in buying Emirates’ stake, but he would not be specific.

In September, Emirates had expected to renew its management contract for at least another five years and wanted to double the carrier’s fleet to as many as 30 aircraft.