NPP Govt. abandons plan to privatize SriLankan Airlines

30 September 2024 08:07 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 131 Bookmark

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* Says it should remain with state for tourism promotion

* Plans for new management improvement

Colombo, September 30 (Daily Mirror) - The National People’s Power (NPP) government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is to abandon initial plans by the previous rule to sell off or divest the cash-strapped SriLankan Airlines, an official said.

The previous government initially planned the sale process of the national carrier through the State-Owned Enterprises Restructuring Unit . After that the former Cabinet said it abandoned the sale process and decided to look at an alternate model to divest the airline.

However, the Chairman of the NPP Economic Council Prof. Anil Jayantha said the government believes that the national career should remain with the state given its significance for the development of tourism. He said the airline would not be sold off or divested as a result.

He said a new model for the improvement of its management would be considered instead.

The previous Cabinet agreed to take over debts of US $ 510 million debts of the national carrier in a move to attract a private investor. It originally decided to sell at least 51 per cent of the state-owned carrier.

Comments - 131

Ranga Monday, 30 September 2024 08:19 AM

I am not sure if this the right move specailly given its 5500 staff for 24 leased planes Gov should at least list it on CSE

6 122

Mandayan Monday, 30 September 2024 11:48 AM

The government should investigate the episodes of Mahinda’s brother in law and Mihin Air affairs of Vas to dig out how much money they pilfered.

3 90

Hadam Monday, 30 September 2024 12:31 PM

It not the right move. Its a big mistake and first NPP mistake.

28 70

SM Monday, 30 September 2024 12:40 PM

…and so the inevitable communist rot started in the Emerald Isle. After a few useful but easy changes like opening a couple of roads in the country, and stripping a few political perks such as vehicle, which helped the debt situation by 0.06%, the communist ideology of hyper unionism and atrociously inefficient State Omned Enterprises put the final nail in the coffin of Sri Lanka’s nascent recovery from the worst financial crisis ever. Soon after Sri Lankan Airlines privatisation was scrapped, others such as CEB, CPC, etc. followed. Once again the people were plunged back into hunger and darkness… and much worse unspeakable things soon befell the people.

52 68

Wera Monday, 30 September 2024 01:39 PM

You are spot on. They will never meet a government owned enterprise that they do not want to hang on to. All of it. Forget inefficient management etc. Sri Lankan cannot survive without capital investment. Maybe it is time to also replace the European` manager with one of our own brilliant Marxists masterminds. This is what the voters of this cursed country wanted they can now wallow in it. Give them two thirds as well or vote for the other moron who came second who has offered to help.

31 22

Be Fair Monday, 30 September 2024 03:18 PM

Wera: I dont think you live in SRI LANKA. Country not cursed mate. Some People are. So dont take all in totality

6 34

prageeth Monday, 30 September 2024 08:23 AM

I'm ok not selling SLA, but NPP must get into some agreement with smart airline operators such as Singapore airline to come to a partnership to operate it and get some profit share and taxes, that's the smart way to manage this loss-making airline, giving it to local company or government trying to run it further a recipe for disaster, I support NPP and hope they make the right decision on this.

17 112

Watch my word Monday, 30 September 2024 10:29 AM

Singapore airlines will never come to an agreement with a Marxist government.

106 103

My My.La Tony Monday, 30 September 2024 10:52 AM

The first Prime Minister was said to have been a Communist, though he followed a capitalist economy.

5 23

Mina Monday, 30 September 2024 11:00 AM

What a stupid statement, looks this boy still lives in 70 s

7 26

Marx Monday, 30 September 2024 11:47 AM

bro, Marx has nothing to do with this deal. If the deal makes sense the counterparty would agree regardless if Marx is still alive or not

7 30

prageethw Monday, 30 September 2024 03:47 PM

ha ha stupidity at its best, Singapore is run by state capitalism, and China adopted same model more or less, and there is nothing say NPP is Marxist, they sound pretty capitalists to me, unless you have no idea how the developed world works.

6 13

Liberal One Monday, 30 September 2024 11:06 AM

Won't happen. Singapore always considered Sri Lanka as a competitor and will never help us in transportation sectors.

9 19

Yohan Monday, 30 September 2024 02:17 PM

Not much difference between npp advisors and its supporters as majority have hardly any experience governing a country or at least running a business. Singapore will never get involved in such a plan and a childish idea mate.

7 22

prageethw Monday, 30 September 2024 04:12 PM

yeah Yohan, you are so an experienced operator just like the goons who ruined country for 74 years. Do you even know how airlines work? code sharing to allow each other to share and allow high-traffic route from Singapore Colombo or even Melbourne Colombo, in fact, SLA already do codeshare with Singapore, I travel from Melbourne to Colombo always using Singapore airline because I have no trust of SLA and its management how well they even maintain SLA flights.

12 8

FOLLOW VIRGIN AIRLINES AUSTRALIA Sunday, 06 October 2024 11:09 PM

YES, GOOD IDEA PRAGEETH, LIKE VIRGIN ALIRLINES HAS DONE, GOT A MIDDLE EASTERN AIRLINE TO TAKE 25% OF THE COMPANY. ANURA SHOULD EXPLORE THE IDEA OF GETTING A ALREADY OPERATING SUCCESSFULLY TO COME IN AND TAKE 25% OF THE AIRLINE, WITH SOME CAPACITY OF MANAGEMENT TOO AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST STAFF HAS TO BE CUT DOWN DRASTICLY. ALSO ENSURE WE GET QUALIFIED MANAGEMENT STAFF AT OUR END, NOT STOOGES OF POLITICIANS.

0 0

Hisham Hussain Monday, 30 September 2024 08:25 AM

Previous govenment took in $510 ?

9 12

wickrama Wijayasiri Monday, 30 September 2024 08:29 AM

When Singapore Airlines trained and managed it, it was a very good airline. Then came CBK and political involvements, even to the level of selecting staff. The rest is history. Good luck for reviving it to the past glory. Anything could be done , of course, if we can break the mold. Involvement of Emirates started the decline.

13 48

R A R A Ranasinghe Monday, 30 September 2024 10:35 AM

Yes indeed, under CBK's government the glorified company turned into a co-operative outlet by Union leaders who said English is not required for the official duties. That was the start of the downfall of the company.

8 48

QRT Monday, 30 September 2024 11:37 AM

The decline started when the R family terminated the agreement with Emirates when Emirates refused to fly the R family for free

3 47

SLankan under Emirates Was Doing Fine Monday, 30 September 2024 11:57 AM

@ wickrama W - I thought Emirates was running well until MR came along and wanted to run the airline as his personal property!

2 52

Bandara Gamaga Monday, 30 September 2024 08:33 AM

Bad decision. Poor tax payers, paying for incompetence of mangers.

9 90

Libtard Monday, 30 September 2024 11:09 AM

Did you expect a leftist government to privatise state assets on election day?

9 24

ADN Monday, 30 September 2024 11:22 AM

Agree with you. If we go ahead with this decision it will be another disaster for the nation. In fact tax payers cannot bear the such huge losses repayment and maintenance of such high salaries. I don't think we can save country this way. Hope AKD government has to preview and expidite the there decision again.

8 13

Good citizen with NPP Monday, 30 September 2024 11:24 AM

This is very true. when I fly recently I saw lot of crew in one flight in different colors and I think most of them are mangers without doing any work in the flight but just seated. only very few were actualy working. lots of money is wasted here.

5 25

Mandayan Monday, 30 September 2024 12:11 PM

@Bandara: No buyers, that’s the fact!!

4 19

Nimal Monday, 30 September 2024 08:36 AM

The first logic is correct. If Sri Lanka is to be a competitive tourist designation today a National Carrier is a must. However, Govt interferences on anything to do with operating or managing the airline has to stop completely. How to balance this act and pull this debt ridden, cash bleeding airline out is a different challenge. Finally, the Govt must ensure legitimate accountability and charges are pinned on those who were directly responsible for this wreck; not ignored or swept under the carpet.

5 53

Nimal Monday, 30 September 2024 08:46 AM

They couldn't even take control back of country's one and only airline from downfall for many years by many leaderships. It clearly shows that how our govt were so brilliant...No wonder that economy of the country is easily being collapsed

5 26

Vihan Monday, 30 September 2024 08:50 AM

Not a good decision. The government needs to get out of the business of doing business an focus on policy formulation. Just wait and see the cronyism will continue even without the blessing of the ruling powers. Simply get rid of the thing.

10 50

Christo255 Monday, 30 September 2024 08:56 AM

Good Move but Richard Nuttall deserves to stay. He has done something for the airline and at least stabilised it.

15 25

amaran Monday, 30 September 2024 08:57 AM

Very poor decision. This state-owned entity alone made the country poor. Very poorly managed entity as it required expert knowledge to manage and non-governmental interference in the management affairs. The given reason to retain is not acceptable. Do not think our "tourism" is slimier to India which has a big market.

14 51

Will Be Challenging To Run It In A Bankrupt Climate Monday, 30 September 2024 09:06 AM

Seriously study the impact of managing this airline in this terrible situation. If possible, have your professional team to check if those flights taken by the leaders of previous regimes were paid for. Maybe from there, some payments can be collected or prosecution can be carried out accordingly if no payments were done. Anyways, will be challenge to maintain the airline in this Bankrupt climate. Hope the team involved to study the feasibility gives a time line and action plan to ensure it’s ideal for the government to run the airline.

4 42

L Jaya Monday, 30 September 2024 09:07 AM

Government should maintain majority shares 51% and allow private parties to own 49% and giving management. If you own 100% this highly inefficient and low productivity organisation, if Government decides a stupid move.

8 28

Amaree Tuesday, 01 October 2024 03:19 AM

Very Good suggestion. I hope AKD's team will seriously consider this option. This entity was mismanaged and Rajapaksha clan enjoyed to the MAXIMUM as if it was their property.

1 2

Namal Monday, 30 September 2024 09:07 AM

Communism’s working

17 44

M Fernando Monday, 30 September 2024 11:35 AM

Do you seriously believe Mr. Bean would have sold it either ? Like his many plans for this, that or the other (in the future), it would never have happened. Also, do you believe that locally assembled cars are being churned out of RW's recently opened "car factory" ?

19 12

Nish Monday, 30 September 2024 02:28 PM

So you replaced Mr bean for Tenison cooray? Brilliant.

1 25

This is reality Monday, 30 September 2024 09:19 AM

Agreed that the national airlines should be an asset of the State but the liability factor should be given priority consideration. Better not make hasty decisions but sleep on it until something realistic is formulated.

6 26

Lakshman maddumahewa Monday, 30 September 2024 09:24 AM

Imf staff agreement clearly highlighted this white element to be restructuried with out state interference. If moving out ,it will be imf agreement will be grounded

9 29

My2Cents Monday, 30 September 2024 09:33 AM

Leaving politics aside ....is this really wise? The gov doesn't have money to invest on the airlines... no matter how you change the management, without money to invest on any sort of expansion how will SL recover?

7 42

Let's be logical Monday, 30 September 2024 02:36 PM

You hit the nail. The only valid argument for privatisation is lack of capital to re-invest. It's ridiculous to say that governments can't manage airlines when half of the worlds best airlines are managed by governments strategically. Unfortunately our government doesn't have capital after decades of free handouts in the name of education and health.

0 8

Economist Monday, 30 September 2024 09:43 AM

The airliner does not need to sell, but it should manage as a private company. This means, it must manage with efficiently and productively. Excess staff has to be redundant or be absorbed by other state organisations where lack of staff. Procurements must strictly be done at market prices. I think it would be better to get some experienced foreign staff to work with our local staff. This will help local staff to learn more skills.

10 27

Sriyani Monday, 30 September 2024 11:00 AM

It is clearly obvious from your comment that you are no Economist! It is doubtful that you even have a higher education.

9 12

Gamini Monday, 30 September 2024 09:43 AM

The previous Chairman abused his position by diverting stranded/canceled/delayed passengers all the way to his own hotel in Colombo, instead of the usual practice of housing such passengers in the close vicinity of the airport or in Negombo, incurring considerable additional cost for transport to and form Kollupitiya and paying highway toll

4 23

Sunil Monday, 30 September 2024 11:41 AM

Are you 100 % sure. It is then a conflict of interest. It should be stated in the audited financial statements. If so, the Chairman should be charged and fired if convicted.

2 8

Tissa Fernando Monday, 30 September 2024 09:45 AM

Decision not to sell was alreafy tsken ss no one gave a proper offer. It is good to keep this within the state but I am not sure how it could come out of debts and still improve . I don't understand what the ownership of the sirline got to fo with 'Tourism promotion '. That creates some doubt about the objective.

10 20

Charlie Hebdo Monday, 30 September 2024 09:51 AM

Everything, the economic recovery Ranil achieved, will be destroyed. The downfall has began!

40 53

Ravi Monday, 30 September 2024 09:51 AM

So are you guys going to continue to use our tax money to maintain a failing company?

16 59

Cecil Hedwige Monday, 30 September 2024 09:54 AM

They should appoint Super Management if it is to improve the profitability of the airline and not appoint political favourite"s to run the airline to the ground. The new Managment should be given a free hand and targets to run the airline efficiently.

3 23

Here we go again Monday, 30 September 2024 10:05 AM

Subsidizing, subsidizing, subsidizing and bankrupting the government.

18 36

Dilakshan Seneviratne Monday, 30 September 2024 10:09 AM

Good decision, just as promised by AKD before the elections. The carrier is mandatory for bringing tourists to SL without stopovers from places like London, Frankfurt, Melbourne, Japan. Employing a good management team and no political interference will make this company a profitable one.

33 37

Ranga Monday, 30 September 2024 10:25 AM

He never said that Hadunnetti said they may look for someone like Paliyapitiya but Paliyapitiya isn't stupid out his money in a company that's way overstaffed for 24 planes which is tiny by any comparison If they don't want to privatisatise then at least list it on CSE and stop wasting tax payers money You don't need a government run airline to bring tourist you just need the airport to lower landing and handling fees so low cost carriers can operate

3 24

Dilakshan Seneviratne Monday, 30 September 2024 02:45 PM

AKD has said it several times within the past year. That is NPP policy. It’s a good decision. Do not lie.

8 4

C Fernando Monday, 30 September 2024 10:32 AM

Tourists can still come to Sri Lanka without stopovers even if the airline is privately owned! If they really want to, the government can structure it so that they have a "golden share" which gives them certain rights over ordinary shareholders under certain circumstances. The fact is a private investor will want a return on their money so will ensure that they run the airline efficiently and will also ensure that they bringing in the maximum possible passengers. So tourism in this country will not suffer if the airline is privatised.

3 21

Dilakshan Seneviratne Monday, 30 September 2024 02:52 PM

We can’t depend on other airlines to cater to our needs. Those people will operate the way they want. The airline is already making an operating profit and it can be enhanced with good management, KPIs and zero political interference. This strategy is aligned with NPP’s tourism strategy as well, which aims to increase the $ spent per head by developing value added services. The $ spent per head in SL is about 1/8 of the world standard and this has to be improved.

5 5

Tissa Fernando Monday, 30 September 2024 03:26 PM

@Dilkushani has no understanding of who is travelling in the routes he mentioned. Majority are Sri Lankans returning on vacation. Dilkushani is so brainwashed that even when sun rises he says it is because of AKD.

10 12

M Fernando Monday, 30 September 2024 05:24 PM

I agree with you there. The sun rises because of RW, his English skills and Batahira friends. It was always so.

3 3

ANURA IS DETERMINED TO KEEP OUR AIRLINE, WITH HIS DETERMINATION WITH HIS ADVISORS THEY WIKL WORK IT OUT,WORTH ONE LAST TRY Monday, 30 September 2024 04:33 PM

DILAKSHAN, CORRECT, THE PREVIOUS GOVTS RAN THE AIRLINE TO THE GROUND AND NOW IS THE TIME TO TRY AND LIFT IT UP WITH HONEST QUALIFIED MANAGEMENT AND HARD WORKING STAFF, CUTTING THE NUMBER OF STAFF IS ESSENTIAL, WE DO NOT NEED THE HUGE WORKFORCE UNTIL THE AIRLINES GETS OFF THE GROUND AND REQUIRES ADDITIONAL WORKERS, WOULD BE INTERESTING TO KNOW HOW MANY STAFF WERE EMPLOYED AT THE REQUEST OF MINISTERS AND OR THEIR STOOGES.

3 7

A Supporter of Ministers who demand Commissions Monday, 30 September 2024 10:18 AM

Oh My God; What about the Commissions for Mr. Commissioner alias Minister alias N.S. de Siva? Please recruit him to be in charge of reversing Privatization.

7 9

Yoga Monday, 30 September 2024 10:22 AM

The first step going back to 70s era!

12 38

sachith Monday, 30 September 2024 10:23 AM

I think truth is that, no on wants to buy it. No bidders for earlier calls (2 times if I remember right)

2 16

Citizen Monday, 30 September 2024 10:25 AM

Government can set up a similar model like Slintec, where 50% is owned by gvt and the rest is with big conglomerates like MAS, Brandix, Haycarb , Browns...etc. Same way the top players in tourism can join together to manage Sri Lankan Airlines as a PPP model.

3 10

A Supporter of Mr. Commissioner Monday, 30 September 2024 10:26 AM

What is wrong with you NPP guys; New President AKD and Ministers; Don't you want to earn massive commissions by privatizing Sri Lankan Airlines? If you are unsure, ask Sri Lanka's Mr. Commissioner. who has become a former Minister after the dissolution of the Parliament.

20 10

KEEP PRAYING FOR OUR SECOND MIRACLE WITH A HISTORIC WIN FOR ANURA/NPP Monday, 30 September 2024 10:07 PM

NO, THEY DO NOT WANT ANY COMMISSIONS AND WILL MAKE SURE THEY PUT IN A HONEST GOVT WHEN THEY WIN THE GENERAL ELECTIONS, SO FORM THEN ON NO COMMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY PROJECTS ETC CARRIED OUT BY LOCAL OR FOREIGH CONTRACTORS/COUNTRIES. DO NOT TRY TO BRING ANURA DOWN, MAJORITY ARE PRAYING FOR ANOTHER MIRACLE AND WHEN IT COMES DOWN IT WILL BE ANOTHER HISTORIC WIN.

1 0

If For a good future Sri Lankan Monday, 30 September 2024 10:28 AM

It’s a stupid decision If tourism is the only reason to keep within state. As someone already pointed, make unnecessary staff redundant and get the maximum out of staff thereafter, means get them to do their job. This should apply to all areas and all levels. Introduce KPIs to evaluate year end performance. Low performance should be addressed

3 24

Poor Taxpayer Monday, 30 September 2024 10:30 AM

Poor Taxpayer

6 35

Out of the box Monday, 30 September 2024 11:11 AM

Tax payers can benefit from this if we can make it a competitive, profitable airline. Singapore, Emirates, Qatar does it.

4 13

BuffaloaCitizen Monday, 30 September 2024 10:36 AM

This kind of Enterprises will never be successful under Government. We know all government entities work at less than 50% efficiency and worse riddled with corruption. The NPP like Anura Kumara himself stated, cannot do magic. This entity has burdened the public for too long. The money lost in this airline could be utilized to build more Universities, Hospitals and Schools. If this airline cannot be sold to a Private entity, then we need to at least close it down permanently to stop the loss, without playing games.

4 16

Kasun Dissanayake Monday, 30 September 2024 10:40 AM

OMG is this the same people who heavily criticized SLA as a white elephant? Is it suddenly turned black?

2 12

Rishan Monday, 30 September 2024 10:42 AM

Must stop all free tickets given to airline staff and recover the cost of the trip by removing the profit margin. What is the annual cost for the free tickets provided to 5000 active staff and also to pensioners?

1 10

Gabriella Monday, 30 September 2024 10:45 AM

Excellent decision !!! Give Mr Nuttal a "free-hand" and we will have a world class airline. I fly with the airline at least twice a year. The first time in 1974 when it was an acknowledged world class; award winning airline. The reason for the decline of the airline is known to all. The transformation of the airlines' service culture by Mr Nuttall, has been nothing short of miraculous. It is now world class. I implore my fellow Sri Lankans to stop regurgitating worn out bilious rhetoric and give Mr Nuttall, and the airline a chance. Take my word for it: We have the CEO and we have the staff. We need some new planes and success is assured. It will give talented youth an opportunity to pursue careers as pilots without having to look overseas. The turnaround of the airline is not an impossible dream; it is within grasp.

8 11

Foot note Monday, 30 September 2024 11:00 AM

Come up with a solution. You may say this only until general election. If there is a practicable in house solution, implement right now and show your colours by Nov. Remember NPP has to convince more to get parliamentary majority as people indicated cleary on 21 Sep., that they are not ready to give a single party, overhelming power.

4 7

The end of wal palama Monday, 30 September 2024 11:01 AM

This is the first thing Ranil Wickremesinghe said he would do. Though he could not make it in time, and now it is the job of NPP. I think almost all candidates also agreed to selling SOEs like this. Even NPP said they would not be against selling SOEs like airlines. NPP going against their election promises within few days of taking the power is not a good sign for our country or our economy.

6 13

Upulpb Monday, 30 September 2024 11:04 AM

Appoint a chairman and a board of directors with aviation and business management skills and give them an ultimatum to turn the full operation in to a profitable venture. No more government funds

2 11

Mk Monday, 30 September 2024 11:05 AM

Hahaha. Here we go! Pathway to bankruptcy. Keep pumping tax payers money to these black holes.

6 13

Aiyoo Monday, 30 September 2024 11:19 AM

Nobody will invest in a debt ridden, poorly managed, highly unionized, overstaffed, airline that has an aged fleet with a poor maintenance record.

4 9

C Fernando Monday, 30 September 2024 01:30 PM

If there are no interested buyers it is better to close it down than to keep it for the "prestige" of having a national carrier and gave it bleeding the economy and swallowing up taxpayer funds which can be used to upgrade the health and education sectors and actually benefit the people.

1 10

Damith Monday, 30 September 2024 11:28 AM

How can you reduce taxes and continue to maintain a loss making institution? Bad decision.

5 13

tilak Monday, 30 September 2024 11:30 AM

MR is primarily responsible for this mess. Sacked CEO for not accommodating his ging bang crowd of free passengers while Emirates was doing a pretty good job of making it a profitable airline and then went on to start Mihin another loss making airline which gobbled up over Rs.6 Billion annually

2 15

Jayampathi Monday, 30 September 2024 11:46 AM

It is not a stupid decision if the correct board is appointed, right CEO and management is in place and good business plans are developed and low cost funding from World Bank is obtained. There should be no political interference and the best talent should be re recruited with defined performance targets. There is lot of air traffic and we must get it and not give it to Indian budget airlines or Other regional airlines.

11 9

C Fernando Monday, 30 September 2024 01:39 PM

It is delusional to think that the World Bank is going to provide low cost funding to run a commercial operation!

1 10

Jayampathi Monday, 30 September 2024 04:16 PM

You are stupid Fernando to make such comments. Would Bank through International Finance Corporation is funding Keells Supermarket expansion so why not Sri Lankan Airlines. You can confirm it with Google search or John Keells annual report

6 1

Ranga Monday, 30 September 2024 06:01 PM

The issue is its debt ridden, overstaffed and only leased planes and for you think loans and etc without capital injection is rather ignorant

0 4

Hard Truth Monday, 30 September 2024 11:58 AM

Don't worry, All will be done accordingly and sue course. The issue is ploitical appointment, poor management and structure once it is sorted no need to sell.

4 7

Dee Monday, 30 September 2024 12:01 PM

Congratulations to the tax payers!

4 11

Ajith Thamboo Monday, 30 September 2024 12:10 PM

Here we go full circle again. Government doesn't need to do business. Tourists are anyway coming here all sorts of airlines from their respective destinations. If privatised, at you earn money through taxes.

5 9

Anees Ahamed Monday, 30 September 2024 12:11 PM

This is a positive step by the government, and now is the time to support them. From what I understand, they are making great progress and taking proactive measures, including various cost-cutting initiatives. This is one of the most promising signs we've seen, something that previous governments have not achieved. They've undertaken a difficult task, so let's remain optimistic and supportive.

14 10

C Fernando Monday, 30 September 2024 01:36 PM

I hope we can still continue to be optimistic when our taxes are being used to support an inefficient, loss making airline instead of taxes being used for things that benefit the people.

3 7

Reformist Monday, 30 September 2024 12:13 PM

Well, abandoning the privatisation should be one done carefully. One would say the previous government already abandoned it due to the lack of buyers. Running things like an airline MUST be done in a business like manner, free from political influence with right people in the right positions without nepotism. That was the start of the downfall of this airline. This airline's on-board service etc is very good and if one can turn this airline around, that would be great. Specially it is Australian and English routes are very profitable as I observe. Lessons: Leave the government business on the hands of capable people. Stop nepotism. Introduce KPIs and remove their reliance on taxpayer funds. If NPP can show people how it tries to turn things around in all aspects of government, they will be there for the long haul. SL only has experience with rogues, corrupt and incompetent public servants.

1 9

C Fernando Monday, 30 September 2024 01:33 PM

It is not the job of the government to run businesses!

3 7

Do their job Monday, 30 September 2024 02:55 PM

C Fernando the airline is the "national" carrier so it is a government-owned business and indeed it is their job to make it profitable.

6 3

Jeanne Monday, 30 September 2024 12:27 PM

First business mistake. Many more to come.

7 11

Yar N Monday, 30 September 2024 12:31 PM

Very good move by NPP. Why do Srilankan airlines lease aircrafts, when we can fly kites, tourist will love it. We can make kites in Sri Lanka, create more jobs, and no fuel required to fly them. Please dont sell or divest Srilankan please keep it, and fly kites. Good for tax payers too.

9 11

We will not sell Sri Lankan Airlines Monday, 30 September 2024 12:49 PM

I think we have now started a new journey, a journey that goes back to old and failed models. i.e. the government must do business. What to produce, how to produce, how much produce, who should produce and consume them decisions made by the central planners - an utter failure. Don't these new rulers understand the strain on government coffers by retaining these cash draining enterprises? The NPP has promised tax cuts and also to reduce prices of goods and services. How are they to achieve these? This is the problem. When people do not have much idea of how an economy works, dreamy statements become very attractive, and they vote for people who make such statements en masse. But when the reality sets in then it is too late. Those who come to rescue the economy are thrown out. The cycle continues. Sri Lanka will remain in this sorry state for eternity.

7 17

Libtard Monday, 30 September 2024 02:30 PM

Isn't China and Vietnam doing fine which are centrally planned economies. Centrally planned economies are much more efficient it's just that people need to understand that government is not there to provide them social benefits and decide prices.

7 3

FredSnR Monday, 30 September 2024 01:08 PM

Should wait for more details of their plan, previous cabinet decision was to take over the liabilities $510 million and sell the assets?

2 2

Terrence K Monday, 30 September 2024 01:13 PM

Politicians are quite scary when one talks about privatization since they feel that no government intervention is possible for the functioning of the airline. When the Sri Lankan Airlines was managed by Emirates in 1998 we seen a drastic improvement in all areas of running this airline. Peter Hill the Managing Director of Sri Lankan Airlines was able to turn around the loss making airline with Emirates taking the management control. . It was the Rajapakses who ruined the functioning of the airline with government interference by appointing political lackeys who robbed as their private property, So it is necessary in an arrangement like this the government keep its hands off this airline. Mr. Nuttall should be entrusted with his team to steer this airline with no interference by the government. Try this arrangement and it will succeed!!!!!!

1 9

Gerard Monday, 30 September 2024 01:55 PM

Just imagine SLA debt is only US$90 million short of the last two tranches of the IMF loan, which the country was so desperately struggling to get. Hope this regime does not meet the same demise as the previous one due to bad advice, which I believe this is. As a rule the government should not be running any business and stay away from so called public enterprises. There is no such thing. Just look around to see which enterprise is any government is running at a profit. Don't mention telecom or CEB, which are monopolies and by definition should be making a profit!

2 8

Yohan Monday, 30 September 2024 02:15 PM

This poor move was anyway expected with zero experience advisors like Anil Jayantha , Hadun and even zero experience Harini. These guys will make more blunders and might not even last a year. They will also not reduce the government sector and will keep all loss making SOE as well.

10 9

Sasha Gomes Monday, 30 September 2024 02:57 PM

What experts did Mahinda Rajapaksa brother in law as a planter at James Finlays to run a airline or Ranils Royal College buddy Garment Industrialist Ajith Dias have.they had zero experience in running a mega business like a airline.At least Anil Jayantha and Harini are well educated and honest

5 10

Ganesh Tuesday, 01 October 2024 03:18 AM

You don’t need education to run a business but you need the astuteness aptitude and acumen. Sir Richard Branson who is dyslexic built an empire and successful airline. Education didn’t give him that edge but acumen and the astuteness Academics are very often the worst managers. Cos they only regurgitate what’s in theory. In practice it’s quite the opposite. Most of the folks in the NPP government have never run a business cos they have been fed by the government, taught by the government, yet given every chance they disrupted the government. Now it’s their time to show how it’s done. Let’s see how this goes. .

0 0

WE NEED A EDUCATED, EXPERIENCE MANAGEMENT TEAM TO RUN OUR OWN AIRLINE, EVEN IF WE HAVE TO GET BACK A MIX OF OUR OWN WHO HAVE MIGRATED AND OR HAND THE MANAGEMENT TO A PRIVATE OVERSEAS AIRLINE AND OR PR Monday, 30 September 2024 02:21 PM

I READ A FEW INTELLIGENT COMMENTS AND THE MAJORITY TROLLS PICKING AT ANURA. WE HAVE ALREADY GIVEN A PORT ON A 99 YEAR LEASE WHEN THE SCUMBAG FAMILY WAS GOVERNING AND NOW SOME OF YOU THINK IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO SELL?? NOOOO, ALL WE NEED IS A EDUACTED NEW BOARD, MANAGEMENT TEAM AND HARD WORKING STAFF, SO WE CUT DOWN THE STAAFF NOS. WE HAVE SOME BRILLIANT BUSINESS MINDS AND RETIRED AIRLINE MANAGEMENT STAFF WHO COULD COME IN, WORTH GIVING IT A TRY. WE DO NOT NEED TO SEEL OUR PUBLIC SERVICE OUTRIGHT, BUT GO 49 % /51% S.L. AND HAVE A JOINT BOARD. IF WE GO SELLING OFF ALL OUR ASSETS WE WILL END UP BEING CONTROLLED BY A COMMUNIST AND ORA STOOGE OF THEIRS AND WILL HAVE TO BE PUPPETS FOR LIFE.

6 8

Ravana Monday, 30 September 2024 02:35 PM

We could lease our planes to carry cargo for Maldives and other places

5 1

Naz S Monday, 30 September 2024 02:36 PM

Negotiate a no-interest loan from ADB and pay off the debt. List at least 30% of the shares in the CSE and let the current CEO Nuttel manage the the company his way. Give him full authority with accountability.

2 7

Tilak Monday, 30 September 2024 04:00 PM

There are no free lunches baby

2 7

Don M Munasinghe Monday, 30 September 2024 02:38 PM

First step for bankruptcy...get ready for fuel and gas lines again..

5 11

S A Jayagoda Mudalige Monday, 30 September 2024 02:43 PM

Keep doing the same will not bring you better results. Also do not expect to change the airline just appointing a chairman like all the other Govts. did. There are seniors in the airline doing the same things for years and just living happily ever after. Fish for some dare devil people who were side lined, banished and people who went the Presidents commission to give evidence. Last 10 years this airline never made money selling seats on planes. will not in the coming 10 years. Don't fool the country, till you pay the debt to CPC, BOC and other service providers. Don't sell the airline but replace the people with integrity, honest and patriotic, within the airline.

1 8

kapila Monday, 30 September 2024 03:59 PM

Get Peter Hill back

0 10

Sathurshan A Monday, 30 September 2024 02:50 PM

Airline business has changed and many Asians have become effluent. My return flight with Srilankan airlines was USD 1450 from USA. All other airlines quoted over USD 2200. My last flight was with Singapore airlines and the food was horrible which was a shocker Privatisation does not mean a better service or it can do Miracles. Give the guy a chance, don’t be an arm chair pundit

8 14

logan Monday, 30 September 2024 03:51 PM

The flights are always full and high in demand for the European flights and the prices are fairly high so no reason to run in losses. There wee lots of corrupted politicians that are linked. There is a big whole that needs to be investigated.

0 12

I heard Ten-family-members of staffs Monday, 30 September 2024 03:58 PM

I heard Ten-family-members of staffs at Srilankanair given concessionary tickets at 10% of the cost to any destination annually( please verify this). If so 5500x10= 550000, annually half-a-million tickets are issued at 10% of the cost. No wonder this airline is bankrupt in addition to other factors. NPP government, please verify this and take necessary steps to cut the expenses of the Srilankanair.

0 8

ANURA AND TEAM OF ADVISORS WILL DEFINITELY LOOK INTO ALL ASPECTS WHERE SAVINGS CAN BE MADE. Monday, 30 September 2024 06:53 PM

THOUGHT IT WAS ONLY STAFF MEMBER AND SPOUSE. STAFF 1 FREE TICKET PER YRS AND SPOUSE 10%, DOUBT THE FAMILY. IF YOU WORL IN A TRAVEL AGENCY AND A MEMBER OF IATA (MUST RECHECK, THE AIRLINE IS GIVEN X AMOUNT OF FREE TICKETS BASED ON THE BUSINESS THEY GIVE AIRLINES AND OR MAYBE X AMOUNT OF TICKETS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE TICKETS ARE GIVEN DOWN TO ALLOCATED STAFF IF NOT USED BY THE BOARD. CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG.

0 1

Gamini Monday, 30 September 2024 04:04 PM

Why can't the new Govt. seek assistance form local business houses like Aitken Spence, John Keels, Hayleys etc. to form a consortium and sell 49% shares. I am sure these businesses will turn around the national carrier

0 7

POSSIBILITY TO GO INTO PARTNERSHIP WITH 1 OR MORE COMPANIES IN THE COUNTRY Monday, 30 September 2024 10:11 PM

YES GAMINI, THIS CAN BE A POSSIBILITY TOO, WE HAVE SOME BIG COMPANIES WITH HONEST AND CREDIBLE BOARD MEMBERS.

0 0

A nizam Monday, 30 September 2024 04:27 PM

There is a honey moon period for every government. Even gotabaya had his. The first disastrous descision!! And more to come. This is what happens when people who have no clue how to run a business takes over a country. These guys are professional betters so what do they now abt running a business???

9 11

C Fernando Monday, 30 September 2024 05:20 PM

The commentator called Jayampathi clearly does not know that the IFC funds only the private sector. So, yes, they fund John Keells. As for the World Bank, they do development funding and they do not support governments running commercial enterprises. We're you looking in the mirror when you said "Stupid", Jayampathy? No point trying to talk sense with NPP bots.

3 7

CitizenP Monday, 30 September 2024 05:41 PM

Least out to Emirtaes as done prior to Mahinda's brother in law's time.

2 4

ANOTHER POSSIBILITY Monday, 30 September 2024 10:13 PM

POSSIBILITY, ANURA AND TEAM CAN NEGIOTIATE TERMS AND CONDITIONS WITH EMIRATES, THEY WERE GOOD UNTIL A SCUMBAG KICKED THEM OUT AND THE REASON IS WELL KNOWN.

0 1

Pusa Monday, 30 September 2024 05:52 PM

"The Gov they Get is not the one that they voted for...It's the one that they deserve" ! My say to the voter: Start paying up ! LOL

6 8

John Frazer Monday, 30 September 2024 08:25 PM

It’s a good strategic long-term decision based on the countries air corridor. however, we don’t have the investment. This needs privet investment and overhaul with a productive work force not dead wood.

0 5

Ajit Deva Monday, 30 September 2024 08:38 PM

We should give the new govt a chance to explore the sensible options with competent

0 7

Trinco Mahendra Monday, 30 September 2024 09:04 PM

Anura, so far in 10 days you did fantastic job. But when you come to Srilankan airline I don't agree with your idea. We have no assets in the airline. All the planes are on lease. We have too many people working for the airline. The airline is charging more to the passengers than other international carriers. Where vare we going wrong. Sack the management and within 12c months you will see the results.

0 3

RP Monday, 30 September 2024 10:27 PM

Poor decision. This must at least a Joint Venture with a successful Airline company. Air Lanka was a high flying "SUperb" carrier under the Joint Venture with the Emirates Airlines and our Mahinda Mama's arrogance collapsed it. No intention to offend anyone, Sri Lankans won't be able to run it but will run it to the GROUND!

1 1

kumari sen Monday, 30 September 2024 11:03 PM

I applaud this decision not to privatise. Our family used it often when it was owned by the government of SL and it was fantastic. Good food, very friendly staff and on time. This was in late 1980's and early 1990's. I think the airline was running at a profit. It was even considering other airports in Europe apart from the capital cities. Not sure when the rot started to happen. There was a rumour that ChandrikA Bandaranaike privatised it in order to fund her daughter' overseas medical studies. I hope with a winning team at the helm Sri Lankan airline will recuperate it's past glory.

1 3

P Kunchithapathan Tuesday, 01 October 2024 02:42 AM

It is certainly a prudent decision by the President. The management of the national airline by previous governments was plagued by corruption and a lack of professionalism. Even the former minister, Siripala De Silva, appointed by then-President Ranil Wickremesinghe, was notoriously irresponsible, having been blacklisted by the Japanese Embassy for masterminding bribery schemes. The prior administration's mismanagement brought SriLankan Airlines to the brink of collapse. However, with proper restructuring and revitalization under the current government, there is indeed a viable path forward for the airline's recovery.

0 3

Siva Devarajan Tuesday, 01 October 2024 03:39 AM

Has any one forgotten that a London-Colombo flight was diverted to Geneva to pick up a puppy for GR? Please sell the bloody thing.Enough is enough.

0 1

FredSnR Tuesday, 01 October 2024 06:44 AM

Anura must be currently overwhelmed preparing for the next election just after a Presidential election which he won. And running an interim govt. So far he has done a good job.About the airline nothing has happened at this stage, just sounding their intentions in my view.After the general election assuming the party gets a majority they will select their team at which point they will spell out the details of their plan to revive the airline. It is sensible to wait ,they seem to be following a democratic process with specific goals in mind and a plan on how to run the country for the next four years.They are barely two weeks into the process and now there is an interruption in the form of another election

0 5

Krish Tuesday, 01 October 2024 04:19 PM

I would say this is a wrong move. Unless they can come up with a way airlines can function without government funding, this is a wrong approach.

0 0

Sri Rakulan Kuhathasan Tuesday, 01 October 2024 05:51 PM

In 2014 when the new BJP government came into power they had already put into motion of privatizing Air India. The losses were too huge and unfortunately no one was willing to buy it. So gradually they parred down the losses and brought it to a manageable level and eventually the airline was purchased by the TATA group in 2022. So it took 8 years to eventually find a buyer while the government took ownership of some of the losses while the TATA group agreed to take over the remaining under their ownership. No private investor will be willing to take up $510 million of losses intp their account especially when its an asset light venture like SLA. The government too can't keep this $510 million loss in its account books. So it will have to take time to reduce this amount to a manageable level and then find a suitable investor who will be agreeable to take ownership of atleast a small part of the reduced loss while the government takes ownership of the remaining.

0 2

Rohan Wednesday, 02 October 2024 12:44 PM

Let’s put it this way and forget all the madness the organization has gone through. With 24 leased planes, 5500 staff, structures, locations etc. corruption / mad management, losses of x Billions Rs. / $, When you evaluate it how do you expect to fully recover and make a profit? SLn had been making profits when it was run by Emirates. How are you going to get to that position? Daily we are loosing in millions and how it it being settled? Same with Mattala Airport.

0 0

Jayasinghe Wednesday, 02 October 2024 06:42 PM

To all commenters. The NPP or JVP doesn’t need your advices. They have excellent plan to make the Sri Lanka prosperous. When they stopped all corruptions, waste and mismanagement of all of earlier governments, the country will succeed. Give your vote to NPP in the general election. They will do the rest.

0 1

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