Laughing over Rs. 19 b operating loss?

President Mahinda Rajapaksa along with his officials early this week held a meeting with the senior management of SriLankan Airlines to discuss the progress and future plans of the national carrier.
As per the Central Bank 2011 Annual Report, revenue of SriLankan Airlines had increased by 16.3% to Rs. 78.9 billion, while operating expenditure increased by 32.2% to Rs. 98 billion, resulting in an operating loss of Rs. 19.1 billion. High fuel prices and lower yields due to increased competition contributed to the increase in operating expenditure of SriLankan Airlines, the Central Bank said.
At the meeting, the President had pointed out that the airline officials should take measures to build confidence in the national carrier with the support of overseas Sri Lankan missions. He had noted that everyone serving at SriLankan Airlines should be dedicated towards its development.
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Civil Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the Treasury Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, inistry of Ports and Aviation, Secretary, Ranjith de Silva SriLankan Airlines Chairman Nishantha Wickramasinghe and CEO Kapila Chandrasena participated.
Here, at the meeting, the participants are captured sharing a lighter moment, perhaps to cheer themselves up amidst apprent gloomy skies for the national carrier – Pic by Sudath Silva