Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva has said that national carrier – SriLankan Airlines has incurred a loss of around USD 06 million due to delays of 08 flights in recent days.

This was revealed during a special discussion held between Aviation Minister – Nimal Siripala de Silva, the SriLankan Airlines management and representatives of trade unions.

The minister further stated that it is not possible to grant an allowance or a salary increase to employees at present.The Minister also revealed that it has been decided to allow other airlines to operate the flights of the carrier by granting them rights under the ‘5th freedom of the air’, while safeguarding the rights of SriLankan Airlines.