Sri Lankan Airlines celebrates pride of staff

SriLankan Airlines celebrated the strong tradition of honesty among its employees, by recognising 18 staff who found and returned many valuable items and large amounts of money which passengers had left behind on board aircraft.

The National Carrier recently paid tribute to staff of the Security Department and Aircraft Interior Servicing Department for their professionalism. Foremost among them was Senior Security Assistant W.A. Shelton who won the admiration and cheers of the entire airline when he found and returned more than Rs. 650,000 in foreign currency and travellers cheques left behind by a SriLankan passenger from the UK who was visiting Sri Lanka with her family.

Also honoured were 17 men and women who while cleaning various aircraft discovered and returned numerous mobile phones, cameras, purses, video games, watches, spectacles, MP3 players, and handycams.

The airline's CEO Manoj Gunawardena, said: "In an era of gimmicks and rapid service, values such as integrity and honesty often take a backseat. But companies that can build a reputation for integrity will remain strong forever in the hearts and minds of their customers.

To Shelton this was nothing extraordinary. But to this airline, this act signifies the extraordinary level of integrity that prevails among all members of the SriLankan Family."

"Shelton may not have realised it at the time, but his action did more to enhance this airline's image than many of the numerous awards that our National Carrier has won during its 29-year history. This airline is known for many virtues - Smiling, Friendly Service, Caring and Warmth, Safety, Resilience, and Professionalism. We are proud to say that Integrity is yet another," said Gunawardena.

Shelton, who has been with the airline for 14 years, was humble about his act of integrity.

"It is nothing special. We often find items such as mobile phones and cameras, and also wallets. But I've never found such a large amount of money," he said.

Head of Service Delivery Captain Milinda Ratnayake, said: "Once again, members of the staff of SriLankan Airlines have displayed the spirit of service that is truly SriLankan.

The airline congratulates Shelton and all the other staff for their great deeds. Shelton has enhanced the image of the National Carrier, and indeed our country, and prevented much distress and financial loss to a valued passenger."