SriLankan on smooth run

It is an evident phenomenon for aviation services in the world to incur losses during the first quarter of the year and President Mahinda Rajapaksa has taken several prudent steps in regard to SriLankan Airlines to maintain her smooth functioning, Port, Immigration and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa said in Parliament.

In response to a query raised by Chief opposition whip Joseph Michael Perera in Parliament, the Minister said that when perusing this loss experienced by world famous airlines the strength of the SriLankan is far better. SriLankan Catering Services affiliated to SriLankan Airlines has earned Rs. 1.259 million in 2008/2009 reflecting a profit of Rs. 292 million over the previous year.

Tabling detail figures in regard to the unhealthy financial experiences faced by airlines in the world the Minister cited Japan Airlines US$ 1,040 million, All Nippon US$ 521 million and Korean Airlines US$ 223 million and said various other Airlines were in the package.

Referring to Mihin Air, the Minister said that the profit earned in January, 2009 was US$ 674,567, and it had risen to US$ 1.81 million in August the same year. The loss incurred in January was converted to a profit accruing US$ 2,813 in August 2009 to the state coffers.

Plans are afoot to purchase six more crafts consisting 56 seats next year reinforcing the Mihin fleet, the Minister said.

Refuting the statement that the Government has rescinded the functioning of the Emirates Administration in August, the Minister said since the expiry date of this agreement (March 31, 2008) the administrative activities were handed over to SriLankan Airlines.

Referring to the monetary process of SriLankan Airlines, Minister Rajapaksa said the Airline had maintained all the account's accurately adhering strictly to the rules and regulations stipulated and in compliance with the clause No 133 (2007/07) embodied in the Company's Ordinance.