Trouble brewing at SriLankan airlines due to CEO's high salaries

COLOMBO (News 1^st) - The Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya of SriLankan Airlines has pointed out that majority of the airline employees were paid very low salaries in a backdrop where the monthly basic salary of the SriLankan CEO was Rs. 3.2 Million. Following an order from the Right to Information Commission (RTIC) during the hearing of the RTI appeal, it has been revealed that Suren Ratwatte who served as the Cheif Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines enjoyed a number of benefits including a vehicle and fuel allowance. It has also been revealed that the cost of personal flying training for the A320 jet conversion borne by the company on behalf of its former CEO Suren Ratwatte is US$ 23,568 which is almost Rs. 3.7 Million. In addition, it has been disclosed that other top positions in SriLankan Airlines also enjoyed massive salaries and benefits. Chairman of the Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya of the SriLankan Airlines Janaka Wijepathiratne stated that despite the attempts made to conceal the details of the salaries of the top management of SriLankan Airlines, all the details have been revealed to the trade unions and the other faction. He requested an investigation to ascertain what services were rendered by these people who enjoyed high salaries. There is a large number of employees at SriLankan Airlines who only receive a pay of Rs. 20,000 or less, said Wijepathiratne questioning why these employees cannot be provided better pay in a backdrop where the CEO of the company received Rs. 4mn. He warned the government, this issue could grow to the extent where flights at the BIA could be disrupted.