Outgoing SriLankan chairman urges media to 'leave alone' new board

Outgoing SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ajith Dias hopes that the new restructuring board would be left to deal with the work without much sensationalizing of the goings-on in the media.
Still in office on Tuesday, he told TimesOnline that till somebody is appointed by the government the existing board would continue to function. Mr. Dias explained that there were cheques to sign and letters to write which require the board/management’s presence.
He noted that though the board members had tendered their resignations, they have so far not received any formal or informal acceptance of their letters nor were they informed as to when they would have to hand over office.
However, he believes that this week might be his last week in office and noted that based on information reported it is likely that a board could be appointed before the end of this week.
Considering this to be his last interview with the media, Mr. Dias said that the restructuring work initiated by Nyras Consultants had already commenced at SriLankan Airlines.
However, he noted that it was not possible to detail all the areas that is being worked out at present.
The Public Private Partnership unit, the management and the consultants are meeting daily and they would take into consideration a look at the routes and “right-sizing” of the company among a host of other matters.
He said that right-sizing would mean there would be a cut down on staff that could impact all levels of the company.
“The fact is that we have all offered our resignations and when the new appointments are made then we exit,” he said. (Sunimalee)