SriLankan Airlines Archives

September 28, 2021

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September 26 2021, Colombo: SriLankan Airlines is among the airlines leading the way in the South Asian region by trialing the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel Pass commencing 01st October 2021 with selected sectors. This marks another initiative of SriLankan Airlines to create a touchless passenger journey in keeping with the airline’s vision ‘To be Asia’s most customer-centric airline’.

The Digital verification process of IATA Travel Pass will add convenience for the passengers with an improved seamless customer experience. Passengers can create a digital ID of their profile comprising of their photo, passport information, and flight details. This innovative solution provides passengers with a safe and contactless journey, thereby offering customers a seamless travel experience on SriLankan Airlines. IATA Travel Pass app is available on Apple’s iOS and Android operating systems for download.

SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ashok Pathirage stated, “SriLankan Airlines is proud to be one of the airlines leading the way in the region by adopting timely innovative platforms such as IATA Travel Pass to provide passengers with a seamless travel experience. Passengers can utilize the user-friendly app with data security for a hassle-free travel experience in their journey and airport experience.”

The IATA Travel Pass is available for passengers on flights on selected sectors offering reassurance of a one-stop platform for managing Covid-19 travel documentation. Passengers can identify the participating laboratories in relevant countries for taking their pre-departure COVID-19 test. Thereafter, register at the laboratory using the digital ID and flight information in the app. They will be able to view their test results, as well as confirmation status to fly, directly on the app. The “Timatic” registry designated by IATA will provide the back-end information on the Covid-19 tests and entry requirements.

In addition, passengers will need to show their confirmed test status in the app to the check-in staff when departing. In keeping with the current regulatory requirements, passengers would have to carry a physical copy of the certificate as proof. The IATA Travel Pass app includes the functionality to upload vaccination certificates from some countries that can enable the airline to auto check-in passengers based on their status and destination requirements.

Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines Vipula Gunatilleka said, “As passengers begin their plans to return to their preferred travel destinations, they will be faced with the challenge of accessing regulatory requirements. By participating in the IATA Travel Pass initiative, we aim to restore confidence among travellers. We will keep adding more routes to the list to make it more convenient to our passengers and allow them to make use of the perks that come with the app.”

“SriLankan Airlines trial of IATA Travel Pass will help give governments the confidence that digital solutions hold the key to safely re-opening borders and re-connecting people. IATA Travel Pass will help travelers to verify their compliance with COVID-19 requirements using health credentials securely linked to their identity in a digital passport. And this will put SriLankan and its customers in the front line of travel modernization even when this crisis is behind us,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security.

SriLankan Airlines is progressively working closely with IATA to expand the rollout of the to more cities across SriLankan route network.

SriLankan Airlines Group Head of Information Technology Chamara Perera said, “This marks another key milestone in providing contactless and digital travel solutions with the highest possible standards of health and safety when flying with SriLankan Airlines. Digital verification of medical records integrated with a digital travel identity confirming “OK to Travel” status will surely boost the confidence among our passengers and border control authorities. SriLankan Airlines successfully on boarded relevant health authorities and medical laboratories with IATA Travel Pass to have globally trusted health regulatory sources connected real-time for independent scrutiny covered by global data privacy standards and regulations”

SriLankan Airlines is the first airline in South Asia to be awarded the “Diamond” status by APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying for the airline‛s efforts in ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitization across its operations. The Airlines introduced neighbour-free travel on Economy Class, giving passengers the option to physically distance themselves inflight and fly in comfort with more space and privacy.

Following are the selected sectors for this trial period;

Colombo (CMB) – London (LHR)
Colombo (CMB) – Melbourne (MEL)
London (LHR) – Colombo (CMB)
Melbourne (MEL) – Colombo (CMB)
Dubai (DXB) – Colombo (CMB)

September 13, 2021

Colombo September 9, 2021: SriLankan Airlines, the National Carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the oneworld alliance, continuing to reaffirm the universal appeal of its marketing communication content, won a Gold award for its campaign ‘#SriLankanPromises’ in the category ‘Marketing-Carrier’ at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Awards 2021, yesterday 8^th September.

This year’s virtual Award ceremony crowned 20 Gold Award winners and two Grand Title winners out of 113 entries submitted by travel and tourism organizations and individuals worldwide, adjudged by a panel of 18 industry experts. This is the third consecutive PATA Gold Award won by the Airline out of the overall count of four awards that it has managed to win so far.

#SriLankanPromises is the brand retention campaign steered by the Airline during the first global wave of the COVID 19 pandemic where all activities across the world, including air travel came to an indefinite standstill. Therefore, in the absence of an actual opportunity to serve its valued customers, and openings where the customers and supporters could actively engage with the Airline brand, the campaign was aimed at spreading positivity, advocating the importance of staying home and retaining the enthusiasm and anticipation for future travel, all the while emphasizing the underlying message of safety and wellbeing. The campaign was well-received by the social media community with over 2 million impressions.

SriLankan Airlines Chairman Mr. Ashok Pathirage said, “We are honoured to receive this award, specially at a time that we are resuming our global connectivity and inviting the world to experience our warmth and hospitality once again. As we look ahead for better days, an award is a validation that we are on the right track, and an inspiration to undertake more of such rewarding projects. I take this opportunity to thank PATA for this recognition, our supporters, well-wishers, and our valued costumers across the globe for their support, goodwill and loyalty over the years.”

#SriLankanPromises campaign, carried out through the Airline’s corporate social media pages, presents a threefold promise of the Airlines’ renowned service, the promise of taking the traveller to the marvels of its home base Sri Lanka and travellers across the globe to their desired destination on the wings of SriLankan Airlines. One of the extensions of the campaign is the in-lockdown content collectively created by the Airlines’ staff in commemoration of cultural festivities such as Vesak and Eid.

SriLankan Airlines also congratulates Cinnamon Hotel Management Limited, a PATA Grand Title winner for Sustainability and Social Responsibility for its initiative ‘Cinnamon Travel Pledge’ and considers it a privilege to stand alongside the renowned hospitality leader to make Sri Lanka proud at the much coveted global forum.

Some of the other award winners were, Tourism Authority Thailand, MGM China, Meridian Adventure Dive Resort USA, Catalan Tourist Board Spain and Plaza Premium Group Hong Kong.

Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) facilitates meaningful partnerships to enhance the value, quality and sustainable growth of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its more than 650 member organisations, including 82 government, state and city tourism bodies, 14 international airlines and airports, 71 hospitality organisations and 75 educational institutions, as well as thousands of youth members across the world.

September 6, 2021

Colombo, September 06, 2021: SriLankan Airlines, the National Carrier of Sri Lanka, and a member of the oneworld alliance unveils flights to the French capital, Paris. SriLankan‛ s new service will operate scheduled flights between Colombo‛s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and France‛s Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) from 1st November 2021.

Accordingly, SriLankan would commence thrice weekly, non-stop flights to France every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday using a fleet of Airbus A330-300 aircraft configured for 269 economy and 28 business class seats. The flight time is around 11 hours and 25 minutes., and Flight UL563 is scheduled to depart Colombo at 00:35 hrs., and arrive in Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 07:30 hrs. The return flight UL564 is scheduled to depart Paris on the same day at 14:30 hrs. and arrive in Colombo at 05:20 hrs. the next day.

SriLankan Airlines Chairman, Ashok Pathirage said, “We are truly delighted to launch direct services between Colombo and Paris. The new route is indicative of our continuous commitment to enhance our network and the travel experience of passengers both in France and around the world. This new service will allow leisure and business travelers alike to travel to and from Paris non-stop and reach their destination in less time. At a time, the world tourism trade is trying to revive, we see this as an opportunity to grow our presence and promote Sri Lanka as an ideal travel destination in a new travel landscape dotted by new guidelines for safe travel.”

SriLankan Airlines ceased its operations to Paris in November 2016 but operated provisional passenger and cargo flights during the pandemic in July and September 2020. The National Carrier continues to rebuild its global network from the devasting effects of the ongoing pandemic. Passengers can also take advantage of connecting flight opportunities via Colombo and explore a wider range of prime leisure destinations in the Indian Ocean region offered by the Airline.

“As more international destinations ease travel restrictions, SriLankan Airlines is revving up its services to provide more choice and convenience for Passengers. Paris is a hub for the rest of Europe, and direct flights will boost tourist arrivals during the winter season,” stated SriLankan Airlines’ CEO Vipula Gunatilleka.

SriLankan Airlines became the first carrier in the South Asian region to receive the ‘Diamond’ rating from the Airline Passengers Experience Association (APEX) and SimpliFlying, a standard received for the extra safety measures and comprehensive hygiene precautions adhered to since the onset of the global pandemic. SriLankan Airlines is an award-winning airline with a firm reputation as a global leader in service, comfort, safety, reliability, and punctuality.

Passengers intending to travel with SriLankan Airlines could book their tickets from the Airline’s ticket offices in Colombo, Galle, and Kandy or through their preferred travel agent. For more information kindly contact SriLankan Airlins Global Contact Centre on +94117771979 or visit www.srilankan.com.

September 2, 2021

Colombo, September xx 2021: SriLankan Airlines, the National Carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the oneworld alliance, celebrated 42 years of flying across the globe. Since its inception on 1^st of September 1947 as Air Ceylon, later as Air Lanka SriLankan Airlines has elevated the identity of Sri Lanka across the world. This year’s celebrations were held virtually in keeping with the health and safety guidelines of the country. A multi-religious blessing was live streamed, and employees joined the observations remotely. In addition, a pre-recorded Pirith chanting was played at the Airline’s premises in Katunayake to invoke blessings in absence of the regular, customary overnight Pirith ceremony held in the past.

SriLankan Airlines has prevailed through times of turbulence both in the air and on ground. The Airline has persisted through a destructive civil war; countless political and economic upheavals; undulations in trade; and now the devastating effects of an ongoing pandemic. In challenging times, the Airline has always drawn strength from the resilience and commitment of its dedicated workforce.

SriLankan Airlines’ Chairman, Ashok Pathirage said, “As the Flag Carrier, SriLankan is a significant contributor to the national economy and a catalyst for our country’s tourism industry. We are grateful to our shareholder, the Government of Sri Lanka, for the financial support extended towards the Airline despite the heavy macro-economic challenges the country is facing at present. We are a very resilient organization, and I am confident that together we will steer the Airline through these challenging times. I would like to thank my Board of Directors, Management team and each staff member of the Airline for their commitment especially during this daunting period. Thus, we are looking to a future where the National Carrier is empowered to continue its mission of taking Sri Lanka to the world.”

Despite the adversity faced by the Airline, the year 2021 has brought international visibility and recognition to SriLankan Airlines, by claiming the Diamond standard in the APEX global audit conducted by APEX and SimpliFlying. Additionally, winning the Best in maintaining Health at Workplace at the Asian Business Leadership Awards. SriLankan Airlines was also awarded a “Four-star rating for Major Official Airline” for 2021 by APEX at the Future Travel Experience (FTE) Virtual Expo Award ceremony and was also named the ‘World’s Leading Airline to the Indian Ocean’ at the World Travel Awards Grand Final held in Moscow for the fifth consecutive year. The Airline also added two new destinations – Nairobi (Kenya) and Moscow (Russia) to its global footprint.

Chief Executive officer of SriLankan Airlines, Vipula Gunatilleka stated, “The aviation industry has been adversely affected by the global pandemic. Nevertheless, compared with many other airlines, we have been able to steer the business successfully during these unprecedented times. The collective effort of our employees was a contributing factor to keep the Airline flying despite adversity. We continue to serve our motherland during this crisis by repatriating stranded citizens and supporting the national vaccination drive.”

Throughout the existence of the National Carrier, the Airline courageously shouldered the additional responsibility of providing smooth air services during the country’s many humanitarian efforts. While many Airlines have ceased operations to Colombo, SriLankan Airlines has continued to persevere to provide a solid air travel network for the country to depend on. The Airline is especially focused on driving the tourism industry, and has continuously marketed Sri Lanka as an ideal destination for leisure and business travel..

August 30, 2021

SriLankan Airlines, the National Carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the oneworld alliance, elaborates on the efficacy of the health and safety measures that are put in place throughout its passenger journey with the intention of ensuring maximum safety and wellbeing for its valued passengers and crew alike. In the onset, International Air Transportation ( IATA) in a communique revealed “The risk of contracting COVID-19 onboard an aircraft to be very low.” (https://www.iata.org/en/youandiata/travelers/health/low-risk-transmission/)

Ever since the outbreak of the pandemic, the Airline has been operating under the most stringent health and safety regulatory measures stipulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka and has been in full adherence with the respective aviation authorities of the countries that it operates to.

The Airline also took a progressive measure in vaccinating its workforce on priority basis, staying ahead of the timelines of the nation-wide vaccination programme. Accordingly, the Airline commenced its staff vaccination process as early as in February 2021 and has fully inoculated more than 4,500 employees including key frontline and operational staff representing Flight and Cabin Crew, Airport Services, Engineering, Security, Ticket Office and Sales Staff, and other second-layer operational staff who are directly exposed to the virus. Currently, 95% of cabin and flight crew and around 90% of the operational and other staff are vaccinated with recommend doses.

SriLankan Airlines’ fleet undergoes deep sanitation before each journey and is equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. IATA further states that “Cabin air consists of half fresh air and half High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)-filtered air, which remove 99.993% of bacteria and viruses. HEPA filters are those also used in hospital operating theatres.”

Additionally, from each point of operation across its network including Colombo, it is mandatory for all passengers to be in possession of a negative PCR or antigen test before departure and temperature screening takes place at multiple points leading to boarding, in order to ensure maximum safety. The Airline has also restricted the availability of shareable items onboard to prevent any form of possible contamination.

Wearing face masks is mandatory right through the journey and the cabin crew are attired in PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) which is inclusive head covers, face shields, face masks, gown, gloves and shoe covers. IATA’s published study dated August 5-6,2021 titled ‘Air Travel, Public Health Measures and Risk in the Context of COVID 19’ cites, “Universal wearing of face coverings appears to be an effective protection against spread via aerosols [Cheng].”

However, certain globally acclaimed airlines have already opted for the cabin crew to be only wearing face masks and gloves, unless otherwise required by a regulatory authority.

SriLankan Airlines’ continuous efforts to ensure health and safety were commended with the highest attainable ‘ Diamond’ status by the APEX Health and Safety Audit powered by SimplyFlying, thus making the National Carrier the first airline in South Asia to attain the status and one of the 15 global airlines currently belonging to the esteemed tier.

The Airline continues to follow strict precautions in order to safeguard health and wellbeing of its valued passengers and crew during every journey.

In order to learn more about SriLankan Airlines’ health and safety precautions, click https://www.srilankan.com/en_uk/coporate/covid-update

August 24, 2021

Colombo, August 24, 2021: SriLankan Airlines wishes to clarify and place on record that the social media content currently being circulated, which was posted by the Flight Attendants’ Union making allegations on the management of the SriLankan Airlines is a deliberate attempt in tarnishing the goodwill of the National Carrier.

SriLankan Airlines wishes to categorically deny what is stated in these posts with regard to the Airline deploying COVID-infected Flight Attendants as untrue and misleading the public at a time the entire country is suffering due to the recent spike in the spread of the pandemic.

Ever since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, SriLankan Airlines had strictly followed and continues to follow the Health and safety Guidelines issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka(CAASL) which were amended from time to time. This includes similar directives adopted by the respective civil aviation authorities operating in respective countries that the Airline flies to. SriLankan Airlines has taken every precaution in ensuring health and wellbeing of its employees by steering a prioritized company-wide vaccination programme and providing required Personal Protective Equipment ( PPEs) , continuous awareness and instructions on safe working environment, and also through facilitating hospitalization and/or intermediate care center facilities, when staff members are tested positive for COVID-19.

August 2, 2021

August 01^st, 2021, Colombo: SriLankan Airlines the National Carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the oneworld alliance is delighted to announce the commencement of direct flights between Sri Lanka and Russia today. The inaugural flight was ceremonially greeted with a water salute at Domodedovo Airport (DME) in Moscow. The airline is resuming flights to the Russian capital after a break of 6 years, between Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport (DME).

Accordingly, SriLankan would operate its flights to Russia every Friday using an Airbus A330 configured for 269 economy and 28 business class seats. The frequency of operation will be once a week, having a flight time of around 08 hours and 25 minutes. Flight UL533 will depart Colombo at 22:20 hrs., landing at Moscow Domodedovo Airport at 04:30 hrs., with the return leg UL534 leaving Moscow at 19:15 hrs. the next day and landing back into Colombo at 06:05 hrs. on Sunday.

SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ashok Pathirage added, “Sri Lanka has a long-standing relationship with Russia which dates back to many centuries, as we have kept an undiminished friendship propagating trade, tourism, culture, and education. SriLankan Airlines resumes flights to Moscow providing a significant air link that opens to the gateway of the South Asian region. We hope that our flights between the two countries builds a window of opportunity for both countries in terms of trade and tourism.”

Our frequent flyer programme FlySmiLes provides travellers with a wide range of rewards to its members through a host of partners. Platinum and Gold Members are entitled to a range of privileges such as complimentary lounge access across the oneworld network, priority Business Class check-in and boarding and additional baggage allowances. FlySmiLes’ top tier members can earn and redeem miles on any oneworld member carriers. These privileges have been tailored to create a smooth and hassle-free journey filled with luxury.

“We are delighted to return to Russia as we add Moscow to our growing route network. Passengers can now transfer or travel to Sri Lanka as restrictions in the country gradually ease for international business and leisure visitors. In time to come we look forward to increasing our cargo and passenger frequencies”, stated SriLankan Airlines CEO Vipula Gunatilleka.

Head of Worldwide Sales and Distribution, Dimuthu Tennakoon said, “Recommencing flights between Russia and Sri Lanka is important to us at a time when the global travel industry is seeing a gradual revival, we are extremely confident that these flights will indeed fulfill aspirations of the travelers who want to see the world and would boost travel between both countries.”

Passengers intending to travel with SriLankan Airlines could book their tickets from the Airline’s ticket offices in Colombo, Galle, and Kandy or through their preferred travel agent. For more information kindly contact SriLankan Airlines Global Contact Centre on +94117771979 or visit www.srilankan.com.

July 26, 2021

July 25, 2021, Colombo: The global aviation industry continues to face severe economic pressures as the pandemic looms into the future. Financial woes aside, the pandemic’s longer-term effects on aviation are emerging in the form of hygiene and safety standards being more stringent, and digitalisation continues to transform the travel experience. SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ashok Pathirage shares his insights into the cost-saving measures implemented by the airline to mitigate the impact on the livelihoods of its employees and the Airline. Even though, the airline faces profound financial shortfalls it lauds the efforts of its employees to support the airline’s operations under very challenging and trying conditions.

The beginning of the year 2021 has been a most welcome renewal of hope for all of us, especially for SriLankan Airlines as we have been waiting patiently for international travel to resume. Despite facing the toughest times as an airline, due to the global pandemic, 2020 and 2021 showed us the core of courage and resilience of our staff at SriLankan who faced the pandemic like champions both as employees and individuals, fulfilling their obligations as part of the National carrier that serves the nation.

As the nation battles with the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, and this time more brutally than the previous instances, it is the courage and resilience of our valued staff which helped the Airline to face the gravest challenges. It is with great admiration and respect that we, the Board of Directors and the Management Team recognize the commendable contributions of our valued employees who ensured that daily operations continued without disruptions even under difficult circumstances. I send my sincere gratitude and appreciation to our committed employees for their continued support, dedication, and service.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, every staff member of our SriLankan family, as well as the trade unions, have been unreservedly supportive regarding the drastic measures, we as the management were bound to take, especially in cost-saving measures including salary reductions and other benefit curtailments which are continuing. Although being directly affected by these actions both as employees and individuals, they have been nothing short of a collective emblem of team-spirit with resilience throughout the season of tribulation, as they continue to prevail in this optimism, which continues to show that they are our greatest asset.

The global pandemic has taken an enormous toll on social behaviour as people are looking forward to reconnecting with family and friends overseas whom they haven’t seen for almost a year and a half. The outlook for the tourism sector yet remains highly uncertain. The coronavirus pandemic continues to hit hard, with international tourism expected to decrease, many countries have taken immediate action to restore and re-activate the sector, while protecting tourism ecosystems. These include preparing plans to support the sustainable recovery of tourism, promoting the digital transition, and moving towards a greener tourism system, and rethinking tourism for the future.

Our airline has a clear vision with an aggressive business plan to take our National carrier towards a successful and profitable entity to serve our Nation, customers, and our valued employees, undoubtedly our biggest asset. However, due to the unexpected and unfortunate relapse of the pandemic outbreak, we had to postpone some of our plans until such time the current state of affairs returns to normalcy.

We have taken every endeavor to explore all business opportunities to keep the Airline afloat even though the atmosphere in the world is unfavourable. We have introduced several measures to ensure every function of the business remained fully operational to grab every business opportunity. As new variants emerge, we are carefully monitoring the situation and we will constantly reassess our strategic plans and adjust accordingly.

Globally the airline industry has experienced a decrease in capacity of approximately 60% to 80% due to the Covid-19 pandemic with containment measures in place. SriLankan Airlines experienced a revenue reduction of 70% during the financial year 2020/21 when compared to the year before.

Despite ongoing border restrictions and airport closures, we have continued to fulfill our obligations as the National Carrier by sustaining global trade and repatriating stranded Sri Lankans; 74,032 passengers were repatriated from 229 flights between April 2020 to March 2021. However, from April to June 2021 35,612 passengers were repatriated using our scheduled flights. We also adapted to meet the increased demand for transportation of air cargo, resulting from the suspension of flights to Sri Lanka by other carriers.

We will be resuming flights to the Russian capital, Moscow this July, with a weekly scheduled flight between Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport (DME). Using an Airbus A330 configured for 269 economy and 28 business class seats we will not only facilitate travel but will be the impetus for building closer bilateral business connections between the two countries.

Despite the massive impact on global tourism, the airline opted to strategically steer into cargo operations. Our existing fleet was sufficient to cater to cargo operation and the limited passenger operations. The wide-body fleet was used prominently for cargo operations while the majority of the narrow-body fleet was kept grounded due to lack of utilization for passenger services. The expansion of our cargo operations strategically reduced the adverse effects of passenger travel.

The present schedule consists of a network optimizing passenger and cargo contributions to over 29 destinations. New Destinations in the present schedule include Sydney, Incheon, and Nairobi with Frankfurt and Moscow to commence by the end of July. Over 60% of the uplifted capacity was allocated to local exports to ensure a continuous foreign currency inflow to Sri Lanka in the hope of strengthening the domestic export segment. SriLankan Airlines operated 3,039 scheduled flights and 165 cargo charters/ non-scheduled operations for uplifting Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and essential goods connecting the Far East, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, Europe, and the Middle East since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic from April 2020 to June 2021. Cargo Flights carrying a tonnage of 77M Kgs supporting the national economy.

We managed to bring down the cash burn-out substantially by approximately 44% through re-negotiating aircraft lease contracts to achieve both lease rent reductions and deferrals, employee-related cost savings, implementing a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS), restructuring the organization to make it leaner, cross utilized the existing cadre and job amalgamations, ceasing external recruitments other than for operationally critical vacancies, reviewing unproductive policies and practices. However, the cash burn is forecasted to continue until at least the end of this year, as we expect continued severe revenue losses from the aviation industry.

We have taken many steps precautionary measures to ensure the safety of passengers when flying with us. The health and safety measures span across the entire passenger journey. Our efforts were recognised by Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) with a diamond rating, and we pride ourselves as the only airline to receive such a rating in South Asia.

Further, the airline’s efforts to ensure the wellbeing of employees since the onset of the pandemic whilst maintaining a productive working environment across all operational and non-operational areas of the airline were recognized and highly commended at the prestigious Asian Leadership Awards (ALA) 2021 by bestowing upon us the award for “Best in managing health at work” in the “Asian HR Leadership Awards” category. This award is a result of the sheer determination and team effort of all SriLankan staff and clear evidence that the new challenges faced due to the pandemic and subsequent crisis has not stopped our committed staff members from doing their best showcasing their excellence at all times.

SriLankan Airlines has successfully rolled out vaccines administered by the airlines’ medical center to 95 % of our flying Crew who are fully vaccinated and more than 80 % of our operational and other staff are also inoculated. Through the assistance of government authorities, the Company is continuing its staff vaccination programme to reach 100%. I would like to express our appreciation to the government and the health authorities for providing the required vaccines to the airline staff, which was a timely and critical need to ensure uninterrupted operation.

We expect that many countries will open their borders for air travel by the end of the year, enabling us to recommence our commercial passenger operations and begin our journey towards recovery. We will constantly reassess our plans based on the evolving nature of the crisis with appropriate adjustments. The future of SriLankan Airlines lies in rebounding passenger travel both in numeric and caliber. All our periodic targets are contingent on international air travel being restored.

We look forward to the end of this crisis, focusing our energy on the success of our Airline there in turn supporting the national economy.

Overall, we foresee a large scope of potential optimism and await the days of conquering the skies with our former glory.

I take this opportunity together with the Board of Directors, the management, and the employees, to thank, His Excellency the President and the government of Sri Lanka for the trust they have placed in us, and the continuous support extended to the National carrier.

July 22, 2021

July 22, 2021, Colombo: As the Government of Sri Lanka accelerates the vaccination drive in the country SriLankan Airlines extends its support by airlifting 2 million doses of Sinopharm vaccines. Accordingly, two SriLankan Airlines flights UL869 and UL865 arrived in Colombo this morning with the consignment of vaccines from China.

This is the second-largest batch of vaccines flown to the country. The national carrier is proud to be a part of this national endeavor by transporting temperature sensitive pharmaceutical cargo. In addition, the Airline continues to support the healthcare system by offloading and clearing on a priority basis on arrival in Colombo at the SriLankan Cargo facility.

July 21, 2021

July 21, 2021, Colombo: SriLankan Airlines emerged victorious at the prestigious Asian Leadership Awards (ALA) 2021 by winning the award for “Best in managing health at work” in the “Asian HR Leadership Awards” category. This award officially recognizes and applauds the holistic approach taken by the airline to curtail the outbreak of Covid-19 at the workplace. SriLankan Airline’s efforts to ensure the wellbeing of employees since the onset of the pandemic whilst maintaining a productive working environment across all operational areas of the airline were highly commended.

The 19^th edition of the Asian Leadership Awards was held virtually on July 15^th, 2021, with the participation of more than 300 senior leaders from over 15 countries. SriLankan Airlines was evaluated by the jury council for the effective implementation of processes in taking the necessary protective and precautionary measures to curb the infection rate among employees. The Human Resources Division was proactive in creating awareness among employees through regular communication and conducting safety awareness campaigns to provide the necessary guidelines to all staff. A ‘COVID prevention task force’ was formed with representatives from all critical divisions to review preventive measures. The task force addressed the risks to avoid vulnerability among employees by ensuring corrective measures were taken swiftly.

“The recognition reflects our concern since the beginning of the pandemic to make the Airline a safe environment for all our employees,” commented Ashok Pathirage, Chairman, SriLankan Airlines. “Our measures to combat Covid-19 have already gained international recognition, confirming that all signage, awareness, and adjustments to infrastructure and processes are aligned with global health and safety protocols.”

In addition, SriLankan Airlines has successfully rolled out vaccines administered by the airline’s medical center to members of staff, overlooked by a dedicated medical officer. The medical center complies with the testing requirements for flight crew and operational employees by conducting mandatory and random Covid-19 testing. All frontline employees are equipped with personal protective gear, which includes a protective disposable gown over their uniforms, a safety visor, masks, and gloves. Moreover, all employees are subjected to regular temperature checks at the premises.

“SriLankan Airlines continues to enhance its precautionary measures to protect both, travellers and employees from the Covid-19 virus. We have accelerated digitalisation in all spheres benefiting employees and passengers, which prioritizes the health and safety of its users and staff, especially in times of Covid-19. Additionally, we focused on employee-centric initiatives during the pandemic with an emphasis on the health, safety, and employee wellbeing.”, said Vipula Gunatilleka, Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines.

Additionally, the detection of positive cases among employees has been handled according to appropriate quarantine guidelines. Contact tracing is followed meticulously as per the directions of the health authorities. The airline has also made virtual counseling sessions accessible to employees to nurture their mental wellbeing, as it is pivotal under the new normal.

“Due to the current global pandemic, we have taken stringent protective measures in place to mitigate the infection rate within the airline. This award is indeed a timely accolade that recognizes the contribution of every staff member of the SriLankan family who persisted during adversity to keep the working environment safe”, stated Buddhika Manage, Group Head of Human Resources and Cabin Services of SriLankan Airlines.

SriLankan Airlines is the first airline in South Asia to be awarded the “Diamond” status by APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying for the airline’s efforts in ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitization across its operations.

Newer Posts

Older Posts

SriLankan Airlines commences trial of IATA Travel Pass on selected sectors

SriLankan Airlines wins a prestigious title at PATA Gold Awards 2021 for the 3rd consecutive year

SriLankan Airlines launches flights to Paris

SriLankan Airlines celebrated 42 years of fortitude soaring in the skies.

SriLankan Airlines elaborates on health and safety regulatory measures in light of IATA’s findings on safety of air travel

Clarification from SriLankan Airlines

SriLankan Airlines returns to Moscow with direct flights

SriLankan Airlines Chairman commends employees’ sacrificing spirit during times of distress.

SriLankan Airlines airlifts another shipment of Sinopharm vaccines.

SriLankan Airlines wins “Best in managing health at work” at the Asian Leadership Awards 2021.