Business
SriLankan Airlines adhering to all measures as per IATA’s findings on safety of air travel
SriLankan Airlines yesterday elaborated on the efficacy of the health and safety measures that are put in place throughout its passenger journey with the intention of ensuring maximum safety and wellbeing for its valued passengers and crew alike.
In the onset, International Air Transportation ( IATA) in a communique revealed “The risk of contracting COVID-19 onboard an aircraft to be very low,” SriLankan Airlines said.
“Ever since the outbreak of the pandemic, the Airline has been operating under the most stringent health and safety regulatory measures stipulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka and has been in full adherence with the respective aviation authorities of the countries that it operates to.”
“The Airline also took a progressive measure in vaccinating its workforce on priority basis, staying ahead of the timelines of the nation-wide vaccination programme. Accordingly, the Airline commenced its staff vaccination process as early as in February 2021 and has fully inoculated more than 4,500 employees including key frontline and operational staff representing Flight and Cabin Crew, Airport Services, Engineering, Security, Ticket Office and Sales Staff, and other second-layer operational staff who are directly exposed to the virus. Currently, 95% of cabin and flight crew and around 90% of the operational and other staff are vaccinated with recommend doses.”
“SriLankan Airlines’ fleet undergoes deep sanitation before each journey and is equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. IATA further states that “Cabin air consists of half fresh air and half High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)-filtered air, which remove 99.993% of bacteria and viruses. HEPA filters are those also used in hospital operating theatres.”
“Additionally, from each point of operation across its network including Colombo, it is mandatory for all passengers to be in possession of a negative PCR or antigen test before departure and temperature screening takes place at multiple points leading to boarding, in order to ensure maximum safety. The Airline has also restricted the availability of shareable items onboard to prevent any form of possible contamination.”
“Wearing face masks is mandatory right through the journey and the cabin crew are attired in PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) which is inclusive head covers, face shields, face masks, gown, gloves and shoe covers. IATA’s published study dated August 5-6,2021 titled ‘Air Travel, Public Health Measures and Risk in the Context of COVID 19’ cites, “Universal wearing of face coverings appears to be an effective protection against spread via aerosols [Cheng].”
“However, certain globally acclaimed airlines have already opted for the cabin crew to be only wearing face masks and gloves, unless otherwise required by a regulatory authority.”
SriLankan Airlines’ continuous efforts to ensure health and safety were commended with the highest attainable ‘ Diamond’ status by the APEX Health and Safety Audit powered by SimplyFlying, thus making the National Carrier the first airline in South Asia to attain the status and one of the 15 global airlines currently belonging to the esteemed tier.
The Airline continues to follow strict precautions in order to safeguard health and wellbeing of its valued passengers and crew during every journey,”SriLankan Airlines said.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.
A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.
Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.
With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.
To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.
Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.
Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.
The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.
Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.
The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.
GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.
The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.
The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.
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