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CAASL Chairman who opposed SLAF move to charter commercial flights removed |
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2009-08-05 | 1.55 PM |
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Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) Chairman Lal Liyanarachchi, who opposed the move by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) to charter commercial flights to transport civilians within the country, was removed from the post with immediate effect from Tuesday (4).
Liyanarachchi, who earlier served as the CAASL Director General, is a veteran in the aviation field. Ports and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapakse following a presidential directive had removed him.
Following the end of the war, the SLAF decided to fly passengers between Colombo and Jaffna. Also, SLAF helicopters are now being widely used to transport VIPs and businessmen. |
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Liyanarachchi had pointed out that aircraft used for military purposes could not be sued to transport civilian passengers, adding that such a move was in contravention to all international aviation guidelines.
A senior official attached to the Ports and Aviation Ministry told Lanka News Web that an article about the chairman’s sentiments that was published in The Sunday Leader newspaper prompted the removal.
Meanwhile, it was also reported in Lanka News Web of the SLAF helicopters being used by Sajin Vass Gunawardena, who is hopeful of contesting the Southern Provincial Council election, in his election campaign work.
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