The Chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises has recommended SriLankan Airlines to postpone the procurement process of leasing 21 aircrafts for the period 2022-2025, for three months.
Chairman Prof. Charitha Herath said in view of the prevailing economic situation, the entire process should be reviewed and it should be ascertained whether the relevant procurement process is in line with the proper methodology.
COPE issued necessary advice in this regard to the Secretaries to the Ministry of Tourism and the State Ministry of Aviation and Export Zones Development.
The COPE Chairman also recommended that a procurement guideline be duly prepared and submitted to the Cabinet through the cabinet minister for the relevant procurement as a Cabinet decision.
The Committee acknowledged that the replacement of aircraft at the end of the service period is essential for the continued operation of the airline.
However, they noted in view of the current economic crisis prevailing in the country, it is important to pay more attention to this and meet the relevant requirements.
SriLankan Airlines was summoned before COPE today following a debate in Parliament regarding the recent chartering of aircraft.
Chairman of SriLankan Airlines Ashok Pathirage and other senior officials said several aircrafts of the 24 existing aircrafts will be reduced in the near future and that the process would require time as the acquisition of aircraft cannot be done immediately.
Pathirage said considering the relevant market conditions, this process will take between 6-12 months and these activities will be carried out through the Ministry in a more transparent manner.
The COPE Committee members also appreciated the efforts of professionals with high experience in management in the country, working together to upgrade SriLankan Airlines.
The SriLankan Airlines Chairman further pointed out that in the face of the current challenging situation, a large number of staff cuts had to be made and the salaries of the employees had to be reduced while recalling with respect the contribution made by his staff to the betterment of the company.
Minister Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, State Ministers DV Chanaka, Indika Anuruddha, Parliamentarians Mahinda Amaraweera, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Dr. Harsha de Silva, Eran Wickramaratne, SM Marikkar, Madhura Withanage, Premnath C Dolawatte, Chairman of SriLankan Airlines Ashok Pathirage and other senior officials were also present at the Committee meeting held.
