Sri Lankan Airlines joint venture a success – President 

[April 4, 2005 - 10.30 GMT]

The decision to partially privatize Sri Lanka’s national carrier has now been justified despite the opposition said President Kumaratunga on Sunday April 3rd at a ceremony at the Ratmalana Airport Terminal. A book titled ‘Monara Rising’ authored by Graeme Wilson was launched at this ceremony to mark Sri Lanka’s 25 years of aviation.

President Kumaratunga said the National Carrier’s association with Emirates Airlines has turned out to be one of the most successful ventures undertaken by the Government. “SriLankan Airlines has made remarkable strides forward. In the last financial year the airline made a profit for the first time in its 25-year history”, said the President. She outlined an ambitious plan to develop the aviation industry within the next few years expanding routes to Europe to capture a larger market.

“The last quarter century has been an extraordinary period for our national carrier. Born out of the debris of Air Ceylon, Air Lanka was a brave step forward and served many of the needs that Sri Lanka so desperately required. The airline brought millions of tourists to our island and helped promote Sri Lanka around the world,” said Kumaratunga.

The President congratulated the airline for successfully surviving many trials including the LTTE attack in 2001 that severely crippled it and for gaining its present award winning status. The book ‘Monara Rising’ was launched in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Maktoum, Chairman of the Emirates Group.

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Last Updated Date: April 4, 2005 - 10.30 GMT