Basil’s attempt to leave the country fails amid protests at BIA

Former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa was forced to turn back following protests by passengers when he tried to board a flight to the US via Dubai at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in the early hours of this morning (12). 

The incident was confirmed by the BIA's duty officer. 

Mr Rajapaksa had arrived at the airport to board Emirates Flight EK-349 which was due to depart at 3.15am. 

However, passengers who were nearby the Silk Route Passenger Clearence Terminal at the airport vehemently objected to the former minister, forcing him to leave. 

Meanwhile, the Immigration and Emigration Department's officers at the Silk Route Terminal, which provides dedicated services to VIPs at the airport, have withdrawn from their duties with effect from midnight yesterday. 

K.A.A.S. Kanugala, President of the Sri Lanka Immigration and Emigration Officers' Association (SLIEOA) said their officers will stay away from duty at the Silk Route terminal until further notice to prevent families of politicians from leaving the country.  Accordingly, Emigration services at the terminal have temporarily ceased. 

The Nidahas Sewaka Sangamaya branch of SriLankan Airlines said that employees affiliated to their trade union will also be withdrawing from Silk Route and the CIP Lounge with effect from 12.00pm today, union President Janaka Vidanapathirana stated. 

By T.K.G. Kapila