Srilankan pilots protest but settlement likely

SriLankan Airlines passengers were hit by significant delays last week as pilots continued to protest over management interference in the cadet pilot selection process.

For instance, one flight left Paris 14 hours after its scheduled time of departure, company sources revealed, adding that further delays could be expected. But a spokesman for the Airline Pilots Guild of Sri Lanka said they were encouraged by discussions held on Friday with Civil Aviation Ministry Secretary T.R.C. Ruberu.

“We are confident now that this matter will be resolved within the next few days,” Pilots Guild President Ruwan Vithanage said. He said the Guild’s membership would ensure that there were no disruptions to the opening of the Mattala International Airport tomorrow.

The dispute erupted two weeks ago when pilots rejected moves by SriLankan senior management to lower the qualifying score for the final aptitude test (conducted in a flight simulator) from 70 to 65.

The two chief pilots in charge of training and standards resigned in protest. The Pilots Guild announced that it would “fly the roster” thereby refusing requests to work on their hol- idays to meet a dire shortage of cockpit crew at SriLankan. Meanwhile, the latest intake of cadet pilots— which went from eight to 10 as a result of the pass mark being lowered— remains suspended.

Several discussions were held last week, culminating in a meeting with Dr. Ruberu. They were attended by representatives of the Pilots Guild and management pilots from the Flight Operations Department.

“The Pilots Guild and management pilots both explained why the present score should be maintained,” Captain Vithanage said. The marking sheets of the relevant aptitude test were also studied and discussed. The examining instructors had specified on each sheet how the candidate had fared.

“The discussion was to gather the facts from them, the background of how courses are conducted and how cadet pilots are selected,” Dr. Ruberu said. “I will prepare a short report for the Minister and we will take it from there.”

There was no immediate commitment on the pass mark as that decision would have to be made in conjunction with SriLankan management. “I don’t know the exact mode by which this problem will be solved but I’m confident we can find a middle path,” Dr. Ruberu said.