Suspension of Bahrain flights not linked to crisis in Sri Lanka: Airlines country manager

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter 

The decision to suspend SriLankan Airlines' flights in Bahrain has nothing to do with the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, a top airlines official said. 

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Dammika Kulatunga, who is the Country Manager of Bahrain for SriLankan Airlines, said the decision is just part of the restructuring process currently being undertaken by the airline's management. 
“SriLankan Airlines is one of the most respected and renowned brands in the civil aviation sphere and we are looking forward to a bright future. However, a streamlining and restructuring process is ongoing and the decision to suspend Bahrain flights beginning May 12, 2022, has been taken in this line.” 

A few days ago, SriLankan Airlines issued a statement announcing the cancellation of flights to Bahrain starting May 12, 2022. 

“Due to commercial reasons, UL flights are suspended effective May 12 until further notice. Passengers booked on UL flights to/from UL201/UL202 are eligible for a full refund waiver or will be rerouted as per the conditions.” 

Launched in 1979, SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of the island nation, is an award-winning airline with a solid reputation for service in the Middle East and GCC region including Bahrain.   

Economic crisis  

A severe shortage of foreign currency has left the Sri Lankan Government headed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa unable to pay for essential imports, including fuel, leading to debilitating power cuts. 

Sri Lankan nationals are also dealing with shortages and soaring inflation after the country steeply devalued its currency last month ahead of talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a loan programme.

According to economists, the roots of the crisis, the worst in several decades, have to do with economic mismanagement by successive governments that created and sustained a twin deficit – a budget shortfall alongside a current account deficit.  

The public anger went out of control, fuelling protests across the nation during the last few weeks. 

Sri Lanka's government has blocked access to social media and imposed a 36-hour curfew, following protests against food and fuel shortages.

President Rajapaksa issued a notice prohibiting anyone from being on any public road, in a park, on trains, or the seashore, unless they have written permission from the authorities.

The curfew began at dusk on Saturday. The social media sites blocked include Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

WhatsApp is also down, and mobile phone users received a message saying this was "as directed by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission".

The stringent restrictions are aimed at preventing new protests after crowds were accused of setting vehicles ablaze near the president's private residence on Thursday.

The military has since been deployed and now has the power to arrest suspects without warrants.