News

Union: UL will be stripped of profitable units to ensure no takers for national carrier

Published

3 years ago

2023/07/22

By Rathindra Kuruwita

SriLankan Airlines must be restructured as a whole, and privatising only its profit making sections like ground handling and catering would only undermine the sustainability of the airline, President of the Nidahas Sevaka Samgamya (SLNSS) branch of the national carrier, Janaka Wijayapathiratne, told The Island.

Wijayapathiratne said that they have informed of their stance to the committee appointed to restructure the airline. He said that the committee has not called for expressions of interest from parties interested in buying SriLankan.

“The committee said that they will only call for expressions of interest in two months or so. Therefore, no one can say that there are no buyers for SriLankan. However, in recent weeks, there were media reports saying there are no buyers for SriLankan. Policymakers, too, have parroted this. Are some powerful people looking for a buyer outside the standard procedure?” he asked.

Wijayapathiratne said that in 2015, the Yahapalana government appointed a committee to restructure SriLankan. That committee called for expressions of interest locally and internationally. The interested parties had eight weeks to send in expressions, and six companies submitted their applications, he said.

“Three of them had fulfilled the necessary criteria. These companies were given the chance to study SriLankan. However, the Yahapalana government ultimately decided not to go ahead with restructuring of SriLankan. This is the practice that is to be followed this time, too,” he said.

The SLNSS President said that there are powerful groups that are trying to create the impression that no one wants to invest in the airline.

“They also try to convince the people that there is very low productivity at the airline. There are no surplus staff at SriLankan; in fact, there are many vacancies,” he said.

He said that when selecting an investor, the government must find a company that can enhance the capacity of SriLankan. There is no point in working with a regional airline that is a direct competitor, Wijayapathiratne said.

“Such an airline would only have a parasitic relationship with SriLankan. They will use our network and traffic rights to become stronger. In recent times, there are reports that some Indian airlines would like to invest in SriLankan. SriLankan tag line is to be ‘the most preferred airline in South Asia.’ If that’s our vision, can we work with another airline that has a similar objective?” he asked.

A number of policymakers, too, have been badmouthing SriLankan, he said. They are claiming that the airline is worthless, at a time the government is making a pitch to attract investors.

“Is this how you make a successful pitch? We must build up the image, so we can get a good deal. The problem in Sri Lanka is that the guilty have become accusers. For decades, the airline was undermined by policymakers who appointed unsuitable people to run the airline. Their henchmen were allowed to embezzle money and misuse assets. Now the same people, who authorised these activities, are telling us that the government can’t run the airline and that the company is bleeding money,” he said.

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Russian circumnavigation team arrive in Sri Lanka

Published

16 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

The Russian circumnavigation team, the 5 Oceans Club, made a brief stop in Sri Lanka as part of their second global sailing expedition.

The six-member crew, visited the Russian House in Colombo, on Friday, (24th April) where they shared insights from their journey.

What makes this expedition particularly inspiring is the club’s commitment to inclusivity. They actively encourage children with limb disabilities to experience the ocean and participate in sailing as equals, fostering confidence and a deep connection with nature.

The team also spoke about a specialized sailing school based in Siberia—one of Russia’s most picturesque regions—where children with such challenges are trained and introduced to maritime life. During the session, they offered a glimpse into their daily life aboard the yacht and highlighted how they integrate elements of science into their explorations, making their journey both adventurous and educational.

The crew consists of, Dmitry Kuznetsov – (captain of the boat of the 5 Oceans Club), ⁠Vladimir Dudkin – (crew member), ⁠Dmitry Dudkin –(cabin boy), ⁠Ksenia Kuznetsova – (cabin boy), ⁠Natalia Shahinyan – (founder of the charity foundation “Life on the Move”), ⁠Sofia Sheremet -(ward of the foundation)

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

22 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 25 April 2026, valid for 26 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-744649

News

Sagarika derailment disrupts coastal rail line; services to resume in two days

Published

22 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya said on Friday that re-railing operations of the derailed ‘Sagarika’ train have already commenced and that services on the Coastal Line are expected to be restored within two days.

Addressing the media, he said the Minister had instructed officials to take all necessary measures to minimise inconvenience to passengers.

Commenting on the incident, he said: “The damaged train is a significant loss for us, especially as our fleet is already limited. We have incurred this loss and hope to rectify the situation promptly. However, we will need to deploy an alternative train in its place, and discussions are currently underway.”

The ‘Sagarika’ train, operating from Beliatta to Maradana, derailed near the Wadduwa Railway Station on Friday morning (24), causing severe damage to one track of the dual-line section.

The Railway Department has since restricted services on the affected Coastal Line up to Panadura Railway Station.

Arrangements have been made to transport passengers from Panadura to South Kalutara by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses, from where train services will resume towards Matara and Beliatta.

Meanwhile, the Department said efforts are underway to clear the obstruction and restore at least one track by the end of the day.