SriLankan Airlines feted the many long-standing members of its staff who have provided sterling service to the National Carrier, at an entertaining awards ceremony at the Airport Garden Hotel recently.
 
A total of 442 members of the staff were presented plaques and certificates by the airline’s CEO and members of the senior management team, on the banks of the picturesque Negombo Lagoon.
 
Peter Hill, CEO, said: “Since our launch in 1979 our dedicated team of employees have been serving our customers 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 52 weeks per year. It is their hard work, diligence and commitment that has brought SriLankan to where it is today”.
 
Those honoured ranged from cabin crew to pilots, aircraft engineers, airport service staff and finance staff. They included employees from 15 of the airline’s global network of offices - Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Madras, Paris, Muscat, Singapore, Riyadh, Karachi, Tokyo, Doha, Dubai, Trivandrum, Trichy, and Male.
 
Pradeepa Dahanayake, Head of Human Resources, said: “Our long-serving staff have brought the airline forward from its infancy, through moments of uncertainty and periods of greatness. We salute their invaluable service and wish them many more unforgettable years at SriLankan.”
 
The awards ceremony is held annually for those who complete 10, 15, 20, and 25 years service during that year. Others among SriLankan’s approximately 6,000 staff who reached these milestones in earlier years, have already been felicitated.
 
Captain Prasanna Karunatilleke, speaking on behalf of the staff, said: “We are privileged to be part of an organisation that recognises and rewards our dedication and hard work. Despite all the hardships that SriLankan has been through over the years, the company has protected and nurtured its staff. We work for the best company in the world, and if I had to start my career all over again, I would join SriLankan.”
 
The evening featured a number of scintillating dance acts, comedy skits, and a bharatha natyam performance, by staff of the airline.

The airline was launched on 1st September 1979, 28 years ago, and now covers 54 destinations in 28 countries. It now enjoys a global reputation for excellence, and has won accolades ranging from World’s Best Airline in a survey of Economy Class passengers, World’s Friendliest Cabin Staff, first runner-up for World’s Best Cabin Staff, World’s Most Efficient Operator of Airbus A330s (small fleet), Best Airline in Central Asia for four consecutive years, and Best Airline in South Asia three times.

October 31st, 2007