This will be another stupid idea. IMO having our own airline already hurt country's economy for long long time. This country DO NOT deserve a state airline. Partnership with a private firm (PPP) is the only true practical solution. And that airline (in this case we assume UL) should cater to the demanded markets only (Such as South Asia, Middle East, Asia Pacific, Western Europe maybe). Government should encourage foreign operators to come to Sri Lanka.

If Air Asia wants to launch flights let Air Asia India or Air Asia Thailand does that. There are plenty of countries where the airline of the country makes good profit and cater to the countries basic demand while allowing foreign carriers to cater the excessive demand (Mauritius, Ireland, Maldives).

Sri Lanka do not need another airline. UL is more than enough. Because there's no such O&D to/from Sri Lanka. We do have good demand to FRA, CDG but we failed to welcome Lufthansa and AF. BA also the same. Currently EK & QR filling that gap. That's completely okay I guess.

Country's current aviation position is really good (If a miracle happens to UL). It's better to have slow and steady growth in this industry rather than some faster failed progress (Eg: MRIA, Kingfisher Airline) Aggressive growth is good if you have someone to support it. But in regards to current economy of Sri Lanka. I prefer a slow and steady growth.

It's funny to see that the minister talking about another airport while our main airport itself a disaster. Domestic aviation is really welcome. But first of all country's first impression is the priority which is BIA. Also in future if we had a boom on domestic tourism government should consider converting air force bases to domestic airport rather than building new.

Much appreciate if the authorities do the proposals rather than calling meeting every time. Sick of this.

SriLankan Airlines launched a new ‘Corporate Policy on the Carriage of Fauna & Flora on Board SriLankan Aircraft’ on May 22, 2018, to strengthen its numerous initiatives on species smuggling

Which aircraft registration? any idea?

I can't understand. What is this? And also is any aircraft getting another livery? o.O

It's an initiative to prevent the smuggling of plants and animals (+ products) out of Sri Lanka.

A lot of plants and animals are on the endangered species list and trading in things like Ivory is illegal in most countries.

There is a huge global illegal trade.


This would also include things like keeping baby elephants as pets.

Is it! Ah, so it's like a thing to prevent a cause.

Is any aircraft going to be painted in a special livery for this?

UL302 to Singapore has been cancelled today as water bowser hit the rear fuselage of 4R-ABM at the ground at CMB. Feel sorry for SriLankan and I am wondering why they didn't schedule the different aircraft for UL302 instead of cancelling the whole flight following the 4R-ABM incident.

Picture source : LankaAviation

Looks like a bad period for SriLankan.

"SriLankan plane with 227 onboard hits runway lights at cochin on take off..."

According to FR24, the aircraft that operated UL168 was an A330-300.

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sril...-repor-1858348

According to this article, the incident occurred during landing and aircraft seems to be A333 4R-ALR which is still on ground at Cochin.

http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Sr...er-150478.html

This incident is now reported on avherald as well...
http://avherald.com/h?article=4b91e93c&opt=0

UL302 to Singapore has been cancelled today as water bowser hit the rear fuselage of 4R-ABM at the ground at CMB. Feel sorry for SriLankan and I am wondering why they didn't schedule the different aircraft for UL302 instead of cancelling the whole flight following the 4R-ABM incident.

Picture source : LankaAviation