3rd August 1997

The Jungle Telegraph

By Alia


One flight a day

Preparations for the VIP’s visit for inspection at the SLAF base in Ratmalana was at hectic pace in the past weeks.

Just three days before his arrival for a programme which included declaring open two buildings, preparations turned into panic,at least for a few hours.

The only Beechcraft plane which is now adorned with sophisticated gadgetry lay on the parking apron. Suddenly a ground vehicle slammed into the tail side. There were worries about how to face the inspection.

It turned out that the repairs were minor. It was immediately attended to and test flights were carried out. A spruced up Beechcraft faced the inspection.

There were references in these columns last week on the SLAF’s only Y 8 Shaanxi transport plane which lay at the Ratmalana base all wrapped in canvas. The covers are off now.

The aircraft is now making one flight a day from Colombo to Palaly. Insiders say the frequency will increase when more pilots are on hand. That is while two of the fleet of five SLAF MI 24 Hind helicopters have been returned to Ukaraine for refit.

Discipline is the key word

There were plaudits for the new Airlanka Chairman, Harry Jayawardena, in the travel trade this week.

The private sector business tycoon who has vowed to make the national carrier profitable within months has begun cracking the whip on errant employees. He has emphasised that discipline is the key word.

At least three pilots who reported late for their flights have been grounded pending disciplinary inquiries. A good take off indeed.

Charity shows for LTTE fund

LTTE’s offices in London and Paris have not only been re-located but several new faces have taken on top positions according to reports from Europe.

According to these reports, two groups that have arrived in these two capitals have begun a new fund raising campaign.

They say they need the money urgently to buy missiles. At least two charity shows have been held in London to raise money for this purpose, according to these reports.

Back -door deal

The man in epaulets, like his previous colleagues, purchased the luxury Mercedes Benz he used as his official car at a handsome duty free price. That’s on a bond that he will not sell the vehicle for five years.

Fair enough. He has found a way out. He has given the vehicle out on a monthly lease. That too at a handsome price.

Another serving man who is eyeing his official car, they say, has taken good care. He has got his organisation to acquire spares for the vehicle that will last a few years. Well, a case of being well set on the ground too.


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