At least 10 more new airlines should be operated in Sri Lanka to facilitate air travel between destinations such as Maldives, Dubai or Chennai, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva said.   

“I do not stand for any monopoly of Sri Lankan Airlines. These services should be expanded. It is better to have at least 10 more new airlines to facilitate air travel between destinations such as Maldives, Dubai or Chennai,” the minister said.   

The minister also said that a comprehensive programme will be implemented to train pilots and air traffic controllers.   

“We cannot afford to pay our pilots the same wages as done by Qatar Airways, Emirates or Etihad Airways just because they are resigning. These countries have other resources such as mineral and crude oil reserves. 

They have strong economies. We are not in such a position, to pay them the same salary. So, we should prepare for a new process. We should strengthen our flying training institutes to train more pilots,” the minister said at a recent meeting held at the Civil Aviation Authority to discuss its future plans for 2023 .

• Cannot afford to pay our pilots the same wages as done by Qatar Airways, Emirates or Etihad Airways just because they are resigning