In the early 1990s a wedding ceremony took place at Wijerama Mw, Colombo 07 & the road (in front of the bride’s house) was closed during the event. Media reported the groom being appointed a director at the national carrier. The other news was about his cousin, appointed to a senior position there (after the wedding) being arrested for shoplifting in Singapore. Colombo district MP Nimal Siripala De Silva was vociferous on all accounts in Parliament (Ref. Hanzard/ media). Few days back while questioning officers of the national carrier on management & pest control skills etc. he sounded hard with no space for any soft logic. It may be due to above old memories.

At the same meeting it was said that ground handling should be out sourced to increase efficiency. Although media quoted ‘National Audits’ on paying more than 5.6 billion LKR during 2021-23 as lease installments for 8 planes which were grounded during those years, nothing was mentioned about pest control costs in those grounded planes during the period. Singapore’s LKY encouraged SL to run efficient air ports (not air lines) to attract all jets & to develop internal transport to make SL a better service provider (Ref. Singapore story). If SL developed a mission to reach his vision, losses incurred by the national carrier & over sized public transport could have been averted.

Since inception (1940s) approx 50% of the national carrier from time to time was owned by foreign air lines & has recorded profits & indicated efficiency during such periods.  Prior to 1956, internal public transport other than rail wasn’t state owned. Among those involved was the ‘Panadura Bus Company’ of Sir Leo Fernando. He was a Member of Parliament prior to 1956. SL transport stats indicate that approx. 300 buses belonging to Sir Leo were nationalized after 1956. His son in law, late Ronnie De Mel entered politics with nationalizing views but changed his course & lead economic liberalization as Minister of Finance in 1978. Young Sri Lankans who wish to learn on balancing public-private partnerships (PPP), state interventions on demand & supply while winning hearts to hold public office may study Sir Leo & Ronnie De Mel.

Lessons from China

Those who wish to know more on successful PPPs may study the Chinese model. Reference Chinese Transport Ministry, during 2023 China has invested approx 549 billion USD in transport infrastructure. Nearly 2800KMs of high speed railways were opened & 7000 KMs of expressways were built/ expanded. China added/ improved 1000 KMs of shipping lanes. Usage of vehicles using new energy in urban public transport reached nearly 78%.

In China 259 airports operated during the period. The e-VTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff & Landing aircraft) believed to be the first in the world took place in Shenzhen near Hong Kong recently. It flew approx. 55 kilometers in about 20 minutes. The ‘Shengshilong’ e-VTOL manned aircraft AKA "Air Taxi," has a maximum takeoff weight of 2 metric tonnes & can accommodate up to 5 passengers. It can cruise at approx 200 KMPH with a range of 250KM.

The SL Air Force at 74

The SL Air Force which celebrated its 73^rd anniversary last week has a great potential to start such PPPs with private funding & its own pilots/technicians. SLAF managing such a PPP (may be with Chinese e-VTOLs) will ensure efficient internal transport with minimum security threats & minimum impact on the environment.

Close to ‘China Bay’ (named due to strong bilateral trade with Great China dating back to 1^st century AD Ref. Chulavansa) the 10^th National Scout Jamboree was held in Trincomalee from 20 – 26^th of February. When Scouts gather they sing their all time hit ‘there are rats’. Though Scouts are always ‘Prepared’ most others aren’t. Sri Lankans should be ‘Prepared’ to learn from the world to build a strong economy. Knowing that there are rats even in their jets they should more carefully read the other lines of the song…‘my eyes are dim I cannot see, I have not brought my specs with me’. SL shouldn’t miss any opportunities as it did during the past 75 years.

Photo: The e-VTOL manned aircraft (Views expressed are personal)