In a recent special discussion held at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva issued a firm directive, emphasizing that SriLankan Airlines must exhibit significant operational and financial advancements within the next six months. The minister warned that failure to meet these targets could potentially endanger the jobs of around 6,000 employees.
Aligned with the President’s proposal, the government has committed to alleviating a portion of the national carrier’s debt, amounting to USD 510 million out of the total USD 1.2 billion owed to various banks and institutions. With the anticipation of achieving a solid financial foundation, the airline has outlined comprehensive plans for a restructuring process within the stipulated six-month timeframe.
To attain this objective, Minister de Silva stressed the critical need to reduce unnecessary expenses and instill robust financial discipline within the company. He called for close collaboration between management and trade unions to effectively accomplish these goals.
In response to the minister’s directives, company authorities revealed that the airline currently operates 16 aircraft, facilitating six long-haul and 29 short-haul flights. Additionally, they disclosed the acquisition of three Belgian aircraft and one Fit Air aircraft on lease to support operational needs.
