Flying colours for Sirisena: Qatar Airways rushes team to discuss partnership with UL

A high powered delegation from Qatar Airways is expected in Colombo next week for talks with SriLankan Airlines and explore possibilities of a joint partnership arrangement.

The move follows talks President Maithripala Sirisena held with Qatari leader Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during a two- day state visit to Doha this week. The President had appealed to the Emir to give his request urgent consideration.

As a result, Qatar is rushing a top level delegation from its national airline. President Sirisena is learnt to have telephoned State Enterprise Development Minister Kabir Hashim in Colombo and asked him to be prepared to receive the delegation. He had also told Minister Hashim that he should ensure SriLankan Airlines is ready for talks on a partnership agreement.

Last year, Akbar Al Baker, head of Qatar Airways, was in Colombo for preliminary talks. However, the arrangement did not work out then. He is reported to have said on his way out that SriLankan Airlines needed “a good haircut”, a reference to slashing jobs in the loss making airline.

Qatar and Sri Lanka have signed six agreements ( MoUs) during Mr. Sirisena’s two-day visit.

Whilst the National Freedom Front (NFF) leader is facing action over his remarks over “bombing Parliament”, internecine developments have created divisions within the party.

At least some of the five parliamentarians representing the party, insiders say, have expressed their willingness to support President Maithripala Sirisena.

They say that some leading members of the NFF hierarchy had a meeting recently with Mr Sirisena.

This is besides the one that Mr. Weerawansa had with the President on the proposed constitutional changes.