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Apology comes from SriLankan Airlines
By Marisa de Silva
SriLankan Airlines has apologised for its action of sending a Pakistani pilot, posing as a Sri Lankan, for training to Singapore to avoid visa formalities.
In a letter of explanation the airline management has admitted it had been a lapse on its part and apologised for its actions, Civil Aviation Director General H.M.C. Nimalsiri said.

“I am still reviewing the matter further but will not be able to take any action, as this is a matter concerning immigration,” he said.

Mr. Nimalsiri said he will be forwarding the explanation letter to the Immigration and Emigration Controller sometime next week, for him to take necessary action. According to airline sources, Pakistani pilot S. Kazi, had been provided with a SriLankan Airlines pilot’s uniform and a crew certificate, enabling him to pass unquestioned by immigration authorities in Sri Lanka and proceed to Singapore.

This was a direct violation of Singaporean immigration regulations as Pakistani nationals are not granted visas on arrival following the 9/11 attacks in the US. Airline officials said only the Senior Flight Operations Manager has the authority to issue crew member certificates to technical crew who are security cleared prior to being employed.

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