Government to break monopoly given to SriLankan Airlines

The Government is to break the monopoly given to SriLankan Airlines for flights operating between Colombo and some international destinations.

The national carrier currently operates flights from its hub in Colombo to some 32 destinations in 20 countries across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, including regular flights to Narita Airport.

Minister of Ports and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva disclosed that he had a discussion with international airline operators and requested them to expand operations between Colombo and global destinations.

He said that he offered airlines to operate direct flights to destinations from Colombo earlier granted only to SriLankan Airlines.

The Minister also said that a go-slow campaign launched by SriLankan Airlines trade unions had been suspended.

The go-slow campaign had resulted in a number of delays of SriLankan Airlines flights. Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva noted that the restructuring process of SriLankan Airlines was continuing.

 (Bandula)