Director Operations Lushan Fernando of the Civil Aviation Authority has been caught on tape soliciting bribes and demanding a stake in Serendib Airways in return for the speedy issuance of an Air Operators Certificate, Colombo Telegraph can reveal today.
Lushan Fernando
The recorded phone conversations take place between Lushan Fernando Director Operations of CAASL and Sonal Fernando a Post Holder of the airline (Readers can listen to two recordings at the bottom of the article)
Serendib Airways & Airport Services is an airline which has commenced their application process to commence domestic air operations within Sri Lanka and subsequently to operate flights from Colombo to overseas destinations.
Whilst haggling to seek CAASL Director Lushan Fernando’s support in order to obtain the Airline Operator’s Certificate (AOC), Post Holder Sonal Fernando is heard negotiating a reduction from the monthly fee Lushan Fernando demands as a bribe. Director Lushan Fernando is also clearly heard speaking in the vernacular in various intervals and translated into English saying “I must start my own airline one day. I will get your AOC in two to three months, and if I don’t get a share in your company, then you might as well go fly a kite. I come from good Catholic background. I need to make my retirement plan. I am not a bloody fool. Without me you can’t proceed.”
Meanwhile Prasad Fernandopulle the Chairman of Serendib Airways and Airport Services officially submitted the phone recordings and a letter to H.M.C. Nimalasiri the Director General of Civil Aviation Authority on the 27th of November 2018.
However more than three works later the Director General CAASL H.M.C. Nimalasiri is yet to commence even an internal inquiry into this complaint.
What is further unacceptable is that Director General Nimalasiri is yet to even officially acknowledge receipt of Chairman Serendib Airways’ letter of complaint.
Serendib Airways’ Chairman Prasad Fernandopulle’s letter of complaint submitted to CAASL
Speaking to Colombo Telegraph the Chairman Serendib Airways Fernandopulle said “I have officially submitted a letter of complaint along with the phone recordings to Director General Nimalasiri of the CAASL. Lushan Fernando made several demands in return for issuing us the AOC to operate officially. He initially demanded US $ 10,000 to be credited to an account of his in Dubai every month. He also wanted these monies banked in such a way that it could not be traced to him from Sri Lanka. These monies were demanded to be credited from the time the application has been submitted. He also wants a post as a Director in our airline and further, he demands that we invest US $ 150 million in a project he recommends. If we had that amount of money we would be operating Airbus aircraft under a different business model. Now even though we have obtained some business we have to pay exorbitant rates to other domestic carriers to transport our customers. Currently we are deliberating in submitting our complaint to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption as well.”
When Colombo Telegraph contacted Director General CAASL H.M.C. Nimalasiri, he confirmed saying “Yes, I did receive an official complaint from Serendib Airways. I have not yet commenced an investigation into this matter. I have instructed Director Operations Lushan Fernando to make up his mind as to what he wishes to do from now on. He is anyway currently on probation. He has been with the CAASL for a year and a half and his probationary period is for three years.”
When Colombo Telegraph further questioned Director General CAASL Nimalasiri as to what course of action he would take if Lushan Fernando does not resign from his post, he said “What he has done is totally unacceptable. If he does not resign then, I will have to make a decision on that”.
What is suspect is in this instance is that Director General CAASL Nimalasiri will continue to brush this aside despite all the evidence being presented.
He has done such things in the past too.
The CAASL has over the years been embroiled and tainted for many such acts of alleged fraud and corruption.
In the recent past, the CAASL also under Director General Nimalasiri was exposed for fraudulently selling the question and answer sheets to pilots who sat their ATPL Examinations.
In that instance the ATPL Examinations was under the purview of the former Director Flight Safety CAASL Susantha De Silva who also oversaw Personal Licensing, Flight Operations and Airworthiness who got away despite the matter been investigated by the Criminal Investigation Department of Sri Lanka.
Despite all these allegations the former Director Flight Safety Susantha De Silva took wing to Bangkok Thailand to secure employment in ICAO’s regional office, a job which he currently still holds. (by Janaka Ranaweera)
Native Vedda / December 20, 2018
Lushan Fernando
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I am curious, please tell us on whose recommendation did you get this post as Director Operations
of the Civil Aviation Authority? Man your benefactor must be stupid as you are.
If you want to be the one stop shop/source of business you should have been an understudy to Basil.
–
Stupid man go back to Kindergarten.
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Johnny / December 20, 2018
He got Ranil’s recommendation
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Native Vedda / December 20, 2018
Johnny
–
Good.
Now you see only stupid can become prime ministers, presidents, ministers, academics, …………….. because you stupid people vote for them.
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Amarasiri / December 21, 2018
Johnny and Native Vedda,
The mean IQ of the stupid people is 79.
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K.Anaga / December 20, 2018
‘Arasan ev-vali Kudihal av-vali’ Tamil saying- Meaning the subjects follow their king’s way.
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Ben Hurling / December 20, 2018
Sri Lanka, the Garden of Eden is infested with countless stinking rats of big-mouthed criminals of this Lushan F’s nature. In politics, business, public administration and on the street among common people. Stinking, big-mouthed criminal rats galore! The secret to why we are stuck in a hell-hole since 1948.
Cheers! You have a bright future.
PS: Did not mean any insult to innocent rats
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Amarasiri / December 21, 2018
Director Operations Lushan Fernando,
“Director Operations Lushan Fernando of the Civil Aviation Authority has been caught on tape soliciting bribes and demanding a stake in Serendib Airways in return for the speedy issuance of an Air Operators Certificate, Colombo Telegraph can reveal today.”
Make hay while the sun shines?
There was a govt. So became the govt Now there is a govt but Sirisena won’t resign, and Ranil has appointed Ravi Penthouse as a Minister again It is all a business
However, they all are politicians . The people elected them to steal Nobody elected you to steal. Therefor, you are NOT allowed to takes bribes, commissions and steal
You want to steal and take bribes? Then become a politician first
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JD / December 20, 2018
I here, this Poor guy Lushan Fernando is confessing about his pathetic and dysfunctional family life, How cash strapped he is and his worth overseas. I know how western companies do it. they charge a higher registration fee and the Sales man sells other stuff with their product, A licence in this case. After that, the sales man, in this Lushan Fernando, gets a lucrative commis from the sales.
On the otherhand, here, At or above $ 5000 is considered a need to be prosecuted offence. This guy is crying out for some moey. In that Sense, Here $ 4999.99 is not considered even an important to be prosecuted financial frime.
So, give him that. but, in Sri lanka, that may be enough for the airline to run with a loss for another year or so.
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Dilmah / December 20, 2018
CT Eds: why not news about the US Marine’s “temporary” Air Logistics hub in Trincomalee and drone flights to collect land bank data in Sri Lanka? Is this not the bigger story?
How are these developments connected to this Serendib Air story just as Bondscam Ranil gets ready to take over the Ministry of Finance and his corrupt buddy Penthouse Ravi take over the one of the most important portfolios – Energy Security – in the country? Is this to distract us for the big games being played by Trumpland and their puppet, Bondscam Ranil, to asset strip Lanka and loot the people of Lanka?
Also, who is funding Serendib Airlines and what is the connection between Bondscam Ranil and Eran’s asset stripping of Sri Lankan Airlines after Mahinda Jarapassa and brother in law had looted Sri Lankan? What happened to the hedge fund Texas Pacific Group (TPG) that was asset strip Lanka?
We need an Air and marine sector wide analysis of business and security interest in Lanka at this time.
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Ajay / December 20, 2018
Lushan Fernando
“I come from good Catholic background. I need to make my retirement plan. I am not a bloody fool. Without me you can’t proceed.”
What an asshole you are. Now the whole world can see what your background is. You must have come from a moral sinkhole … … a cesspit teeming with worms. You’re a bloody fool indeed because you’re going to retire in a prison.
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Kumar R. / December 20, 2018
Ajay,
.
Agreed that he is a gutter snipe with absolute lack of any ethics. However, what is obvious is that (a) he is not even remotely unique in doing this. Bribing is far too rampant in all licensing and other offices with oversight responsibility in the country, whether public or private. (b) From the amounts discussed here and the amounts that President disclosed recently, the bribe rates are almost unimaginably sky high. Evidently the MR/Gota/Basil gang have firmly established the practice all across the economy, and raised the levels to levels that chases away even the most earnest interest from foreign investors.
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Leonard / December 20, 2018
As he from a good Catholic background and his negotiation skills he should fit in well in Vatican.
Question for me is any one in Sri Lanka will be surprise by this after all Sri Lankans just went from one premier to two and back to one in few weeks.
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Granvill / December 21, 2018
Leonard,
his Catholic background has nothing to do with the Vatican.
If you wish to comment, yes ! please do so but leave the Vatican and the Catholic religion out of it.
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soma / December 20, 2018
Part of the sum is directly credited to God.
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Soma
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Native Vedda / December 20, 2018
somass
–
Is that why Dr Mahinda regularly went to Tirumala shrine of Lord Venkateswara and Dr Gota went to Vatican?
–
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Richard / December 21, 2018
“You’re a bloody fool indeed because you’re going to retire in a prison” OR……..will end up as Chairman SRILANKAN AIRLINES, as appointments go with the corrupt political culture of Sri Lanka.
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Shrikharan / December 21, 2018
Ajay: You’re a bloody fool indeed because you’re going to retire in a prison.
Lushan Fernando: No Ajay, I am now become qualified to be in the Parliament. Many have approached me identifying my skills!
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Thanga / December 20, 2018
Incidents of this nature are very common in Sri Lanka. Bribery and corruption are rampant from the lowly peon in the office to officials like Lushan Fernando Director Operations of CAASL and Sonal Fernando.
The UNF/UPFA government promised to eradicate bribery and corruption and punish those who indulged in rampant bribery and corruption prior to 2009. This has not materialised so far and unlikely to materialise in the future.
In fact, President Sirisena himself is lamenting the fact that Rajapaksa did not reach the required number since MPs are demanding Rs.500 million each to cross over!
This is the type of environment which gives the incentive and a feeling of impunity to indulge in bribery and corruption by Lushan Fernando without blinking an eye.
Properly speaking he should not be allowed to resign and go scot free. He should be charged in courts and send to jail..
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Gas pilot / December 20, 2018
DG is the biggest crook. Ask him what he did about when an A330-300 skidded and landed in the mud when the pilot should have done go around? He covered it up with Rajind Rantunga, Suren Ratwatte and Keminda Yahampath. It was atuck in the hangar for months. DG and the infamous DAG, who crept in as the new CTO at SriLankan were the biggest crooks at CAA!
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Dumbo / December 20, 2018
Also we know that infamous DAG was covering pilots and attacking his former colleagues at maintenance as he has a son who is doing a CPL. yahapalanya at its best. This is all due to Ranil W’s manupulation with board members like rakitha jaya and yohan wijesinghe etc
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Gas pilot / December 20, 2018
Right Dumbo, we as pilots at UL see the deterioration at engineering dept under fake CTO, plus there was no proper interviews or adds for the recruitment of your infamous DAG who we call fakeCTO. Good luck and god bless
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Douglas / December 20, 2018
Ajay: You called Lushan Fernando – “What an asshole you are”. What do you call those two who wanted the “PAGAVA” (Bribe) to approve the “Mono Rail” Project.? In the same context, since 2009, with the emergence of “WAR HEROES” how many such “ASSHOLES” you could find in this island? The numbers are so large and innumerable that it has become worth the while “RECOGNIZE” them as “ASSHOLES” and carry on with whatever left to be done. Don’t you think it is what is left to be done?
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Kamal / December 20, 2018
Here’s the first job for the new Minister responsible for civil aviation. Ask this (alleged) ‘Basil’ (meaning shameless crook) to stand down immediately, and refer him and his protector/s to FCID or any other relevant authority for a full investigation. Good opportunity to show that the new government is serious about eliminating corruption if indeed they are.
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Shevan / December 20, 2018
Who in the first place did recruit this man? did’nt anyone check on his background whilst at UL/Mihin
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Aviator / December 21, 2018
He was never a Airline pilot!
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Waruna / December 20, 2018
Having served airlines for over 30 years I can’t even make myself believe I’m listening to telephone conversation between a so called “Captain” who holds such a senior post at the CAASL, so blatantly and in such corrupt manner. This hellhole is well known for holding people of such caliber but never realized that it has fallen to such low depths.
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Coconut Donkey / December 20, 2018
Let’s see what the future of these corrupt officials are.. if severe action isn’t taken against them, these practices will go on at all levels as the norm and the country and people will continue to struggle to move forward. Absolutely disgusting state of affairs. You will be judged by these and more RW
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Patriot / December 20, 2018
He is not asking bribes whilst being employed at CAA, but discussing salary and benefits for a future employment at Serendib. What is wrong at this?
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John / December 20, 2018
“I come from good Catholic background…” yes, this is truly Catholic way , asking for bribe at all times, because Vatican Christ never said no to bribery & Vatican pays billions of US$ for child sex scandals, now it stands at 68 Billion US$.
This guy is a good Catholic
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Oerlikon / December 22, 2018
John,
you effing bloody arsehole please leave the Vatican out of bloody effing comments.
Nobody cares what kind of Catholic background you come from and leave Almighty God to dispense his Justice & Judgement with regard to the Vatican.
You bloody effing Sri Lankans are all mired up to your eyeballs in the shit of corruption, tutored by your bloody effing politicians since independence.
One day a God fearing good Catholic is going to hound out and hang you by your bloody balls in the name of God and in defence of the Universal Catholic Church irrespective of the consequences to him. Leave all religions alone in your comments.
” I tell you , you are Peter and upon this Rock thou shall build my Church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. ” ( Matthew Chapter- 16, vs 18 ).
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justice / December 20, 2018
Has he yet been relieved of his duties temporarily – interdicted – pending inquiry?
Who is his superior officer who should have done this?
In the prevailing political confusion, many such attempts at corruption must be happening.
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Hemantha / December 20, 2018
Sonal was on jail just Couple of weeks ago ?,who gave him the title captn ? Haven’t they done through a background check ..dude he was a ground handling guy in mihin suddenly became a captn??? Hahahaha hilarious . even Lushan should be punished and taken off from CAA
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Lankan / December 20, 2018
It’s hard to find an honest and upright Sri Lankan…sad
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IOC for AOC / December 21, 2018
This probably has a trickle down from the top, requires a full investigation and punishment.
It should also be checked how many retirees have the technical expertize to hold positions they hold at present. The previous Minister and the board was hood winked in extending the contract of the so called retirees. The organization does not have a succession plan. An immediate check should be conducted on the Assets of persons holding top positions at this organization. New Aviation Minister and FCID over to you, let yahapalana prevail. God have mercy on CAASL which scored very high ranking at the recently concluded ICAO Safety Audit.
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Shrikharan / December 21, 2018
“I am not a bloody fool. Without me you can’t proceed.”
Now the roles are reversed and with out Sonal Fernando, Lushan Fernando Director Operations of CAASL is lost.
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Ravi D / December 21, 2018
It looks like many posted their opinions without listening both conversations carefully and neutral minded. This Sonal fella is inviting this Director to join teir company for a smaller salary and trying to negotiate that. looks like Director stood on his ground and very politely denying. Be reasonable before commenting my friends !
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IOC for AOC / December 21, 2018
Please don’t try to defend someone who is caught in the act, maybe he is your buddy
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Antonio / December 22, 2018
Finally an educated individual who is able to listen to a conversation and define & interpret the real facts unlike the bunch of lunatics who hv commented above. It is obvious that the above lunatics are on a agenda together. Did anyone take the time to go through the letter & tapes forwarded to DG CAASL the accusations stated in the letter & voice recording does not comply with what is published in the Colombo Telegraph. This is nothing but a setup to tarnish an individuals character!
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Plato. / December 21, 2018
This is just the Tip of the iceberg! Between oct:26th and until now when there was a Political crisis in the country there would have been several such instances where Higher ups[ or perhaps even down the line] would have made Bribe Money. After all where there is confusion there is profit.
This reminds me of the Kandyan Perehera .There were colleagues at Peradeniya who would get themselves in the most crowded part of the event and squeeze their way through and have a little bit of fun!
Yes; its all a question of timing.
This man Fernando thinks, since he comes from a GOOD CATHOLIC family, he is entitled to a BRIBE.
Rather a bizarre thought.The logic of this is that if you dont have a Pedigree you are not entitled to the spoils! Nice logic no?
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Peter / December 21, 2018
Plato,
a man from a GOOD CATHOLIC ( Christian ) family is not entitled to a bribe.
The CATHOLIC doctrine outlaws bribery and corruption and the best example is JUDAS.
Lukshan Fernando is a CAFETERIA CATHOLIC like most Catholics in Sri Lanka and the Western world.
God Almighty cannot be bribed and those who think otherwise may be referring to the gods of various colors and ugly looks that adorn the dark caves that Sri Lanka politicians crawl into to offer bribes. Example your PM who regularly crawls into a dark caverns in south India to offer bribes to those dark gods.
This is the reason that SL is sinking into anarchy.
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Mohan / December 22, 2018
Question of low ethics and lack of self belief, having low moral values to hold that position while discussing something which related to the work , damaging integrity to the profession. This man Capt Fernando should have been sent for a mental health check up before he was employed at the CAA. Either he lacks work experience at a decent place which covers basic operating procedures in a corporate frame work or a structured education which he has missed in a University program. Otherwise this man would not discuss these things and brag about his African wages and 15 years management experience ( wonder where he has worked , Rathmalana ?lol ) Wonder who offered this role to him?
The other chap whom I have heard now was a single engine flying instructor had worked only at Flying school level filling the boots of a Flight Ops Manager in this Airline? Wonder who gave the Captaincy to him ( CAA ?) , 152 Captain ? lol
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Goviya / December 21, 2018
So what is wrong in all this. ??????????
If the PM of the country is involved in a massive scam and all the others are corrupt buggers, then this guy is doing nothing wrong.
He is doing the same that the other buggers are doing and will always do.
Sri Lankans are weird and funny people in this world.
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Duke / December 21, 2018
I personally feel that Serendib Airways has tried to misguide the viewers. Actually what happened was Serendib Airways has offered Captain Lushan Fernando a job and Captain Lushan Fernando was asking higher salary. As far as I know, Captain Lushan Fernando had offered a same kind of job by another domestic operator and Captain Lushan Fernando had asked the same amount and they refused to give it. But that refusal didn’t obstruct their process as because they managed to meet the requirements of CAASL. But with Serendib Airways it is a completely different story. For an example, still Serendib Airways has failed to get qualified their crew for the operations which is not the fault of Captain Lushan Fernando. Also Serendib Airways had cheated few CPL holders and took money from them and promising them to give type rating which is totally illegal and CAASL didn’t allow it and they had to payback. Only people in the aviation know the background of this caller. I hope that time will answer the issue after got to know the reality.
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Gune / December 21, 2018
A bloody crook!!!!!! Who should be whipped by the law
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Duke De Zoysa / December 21, 2018
I also recommend all of viewers to listen to whole conversation. In that conversation, no bribing is involved to issue the AOC. Serendib Airways was offering Captain Lushan Fernando a job and he was asking a higher salary but Serendib Airways has tried to misguide the viewers to cover up their failures. For an example they (Serendib Airways) had taken money from few CPL holders promising them that they will be given the Type Rating on GA 8 aircraft which is totally illegal. Finally they had to payback the whole money to those CPL holders.
In this conversation, guy who is employed at Serendib Airways, clearly admitted that they don’t know anything about aviation which seems to be true otherwise they should have not recruited those CPL holders. They have brought this aircraft six month ago but still they have failed to get qualified their flying crew operationally. It was not obstructed by Captain Lushan Fernando but Serendib Airways failed to meet the requirements of CAASL.
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Mohan / December 22, 2018
Agreed on your Comments and how this Company has cheated on Young desperate CPL holders. This was not the first time crooks with bare minimum aviation experience who called operators/owners signed up desperate CPL holders for line experience and misguided them. This has become a big business now offering Type and line experience. G 8 and 208 Are they Single Pilot or Dual ? As far as I know there is no clear cut rule to say its illegal. Once you carefully listen to the Conversation Yes at any point there was no indication of Bribe, but the whole conversation is based on ‘ Ok I will fast track the application and get the AOC for International Charter if you give me a stake of the Airline. With out me you guys nonexisted. This is pathetic, pig headed attitude. Thats more than enough to prove misusing your position while working at the CAA. Its fundamentally WRONG. This guy Capt Fernando is an idiot. He should be disciplined and Punished for bringing the dignity and integrity of CAA ( If they have one) down. And revoke and suspend the License of Serendib Airways.
As far As Capt Lakshan Fernando’s concern is ‘ Look I am not going to give my services for 3 months , I wont come for peanuts, offer me a lucrative contract. May be he has bitter experience where donkeys work was done from him from Start Ups before and then parachuted Retired Professionals for thumping wages and showing the door for Capt Fernando. which I dont blame him. That dirty practice exist in Colombo for years and years.
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Aaron / December 21, 2018
Finally an educated individual who has the ability to interpret & understand what exactly is been said on the tape and it is very evident that all the lashing out is done deliberately or else this bunch of idiots don’t have the ability of understanding what they hear. It is also very obvious that the facts stipulated in the letter to DG CAASL & the recorded phone conversations do not tally with the facts stated in the Colombo Telegraph.
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Mohan Ray. / December 22, 2018
Listening to this conversation , this fella from the CAA ( no idea who the other fella is trying to get the work done for peanuts and CAA guy referring to him as Big talker) there is definitely a conflict of interest. CAA guy ( Capt Fernando) should understand while he is holding this position he cannot blackmail the Applicant to expedite the process for a stake in the Airline and discuss any business dealings while he is handling the application process. He is an idiot. Cannot be a Pilot bragging about his wages in Africa and 15 years of Management experience. He is a Clown. Clearly this shows he is not matured , lack of structured corporate training and management experience though he brags . Wonder where he has worked before ? A person who has worked at decent places, corporate trained or gone through a structure academic training would not get in to this type of conversation. This is technically an uncivilized conversation while working for Civil Aviation. This man has a very low moral values , very low emotional intelligence, inferiority and personality issues. Wonder how he obtained this responsible position at CAA. When he boasts that ‘some people now comes after him to get things done ‘ clearly shows his lack of corporate experience not having held decent positions before. He should be sent for psychometric testing.
On the other hand the other fella who is another stupid idiot (Got to know during the last few days from certain people within the industry while I was in Colombo ) functioning as the Flight Operation Manager of this Operation is just a single engine flight Instructor on a C 152 with less than couple of years experience in Flying schools at Rathmanala hence call him self as a Captain. Now the question where most people ask is the way he got his Captaincy from the CAA? The GM or the Director of this company is a Ground Dispatcher with no formal Aviation education neither good work experience in aviation / any other places. This is the problem when these braggers get hold of funding and start Aviation projects and pretend they know everything while ruining the industry standards.The way they have addressed the letter to the DG of CAA could sum up everything. So many mistakes. Aviation has gone to Dogs.
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Antonio / December 22, 2018
Finally an educated individual who is able to listen to a conversation and define & interpret the real facts unlike the bunch of lunatics who hv commented above. It is obvious that the above lunatics are on a agenda together. Did anyone take the time to go through the letter & tapes forwarded to DG CAASL the accusations stated in the letter & voice recording does not comply with what is published in the Colombo Telegraph. This is nothing but a setup to tarnish an individuals character!
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Dixon Premarathne / December 22, 2018
Did anyone thought of the reason for Lushan Fernando is limited to a low salary position at CAASL while all other Captains in the industry earns $ 15-20K a month??
1. Lushan was failed Twice in the SriLankan Airline intake A320 Simulators by Capt. Nihal Jayawikrama duel to lack of knowledge, poor performance and the bad attitude and failed to get in to SriLankan Airlines twice.
2. Lushan Fernando was flying Avro aircraft for an Airline in Africa. He crashed an aircraft in to flames and narrowly escaped and the Airline foundout a Selfie Picture of Lushan Fernando was uploaded to social media with the burning aircraft in the background. He is a person of that sort of a weird mentality. Immediately an investigation commenced against him and escaped from that and now he is in Sri Lanka while the Airline is still in the phase of investigation. First thing to do after evacuation to cover up the Aircraft Registration and markings of the Aircraft to hide from images getting spreaded in the media with the brandings in it. But Lushan has done the opposit by uploading selfi of him with burning aircraft in the background.
This shows the level and standards of our Civil Aviatiin Authority our mentality to recruit a person with that background and mentality and given such a responsible position at CAASL.
Dear viewers, there is nothing to be surprised about this sort of an Incident of bribing taken place.
On the complain letter it shows this has gone to DGCA nearly month ago and No action been taken against Lushan Fernando.
Dear Viewers, we have question!!??
Reason DGCA has not taken any action indicates that there might be a team officials at CAASL involved in bribing including Lushan and DGCA behind this. For you to decide!!
The best part….After this has come in to the public, we have seen still Lushan is going to CAASL with DGCAs blessings and recently he has participated the Christmas Carols at CAASL.
Aviation is a small industry where the big talkers like Lushan Fernando won’t get any flying jobs for his whole life anymore and currently ended up at a office job.
Even now he is not in a position to safeguard his current job either.
Dear Serendib Airways team, it is so unfortunate what you had to go through with the corrupted CAASL. in the island.
My advise is to you and for any upcoming airlines to back-off from Sri Lanka and start your operation in anywhere in the world!
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Mohan Ray / December 23, 2018
This position Director Operations was handled by decent men before
With solid experience. Capt GAF Fernando who had 30 years experience working for UL and Singapore did a pretty good job and encouraged young professionals to join CAA. The main culprit sending Capt GAF Fernando on retirement and his Deputy Capt Ameen who is anothér good executive with solid Civil Aviation knowledge is non other than Corrupted Susantha Desilva then a Director .A crook and a man with low moral value who wanted his Yes Sir type men instrumental of getting lthe role for this Idiot Lushan Fernando. The quality of ICAO can be judged by getting a useless guy like Susantha De Silva to Bangkok. World of Aviation has gone to Dogs
This is what we going through.
This position is highly arguable and had lots of issues before. With no clear agenda and outline of qualifications and experience It was this rogue Susantha De Silva who given this role to few unqualified people before, there were times this position was held by serving Military officers, then retired military officers with no flying and No civil License. Some times they advertise for ATPL , some times Frozen ATPL, some times guys with No license has also done this role. So this shows lack of ethics and direction of the CAA.
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Toyya / December 23, 2018
Dear Mohan,,,it is not only former UL Pilots did good job.Military Officers are better qualified for management role and with experience. Do not be jealous about it.Non of the ex-UL Pilots didn’t want to come because of less salary. They wants money. Do you know what is Mr Ameen’s qualification. Better you find before talk about it. UL is a wrong business model and need to be closed down without wasting public money. I agree with some extend for change of qualifications requirements, but that is also justifiable since there are no suitable person with flying experience. Do not think, UL Pilots are the pilots who are suitable those positions, there are domestic pilots and military pilots has good knowledge with higher education than UL Pilots, those have only license. So this position can be any one. This era is not experienced based Management but knowledge base management. Vital is knowledge with management.
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Menik Pérera / December 23, 2018
Dixon ; ok what has failing to get in to Sri Lankan airlines got to do with this Incident? You mention lack of knowledge and bad performance, ? You think all those of who clear the sim and get in to Sri Lankan Airlines afté that sim test have a good knowledge and their performances are good? we can elaborate on this topic if you require more information with facts and figures if needed .
Also remember Jet hours have nothing to do with holding An executive Aviation position , that’s where SL authorities get it wrong, Countries like FAA, Canada, Australia and NZ ,there CAAs get industry professionals with good General Aviation skills and knowledge, good skill in legislature, sound background in Aviation academic studies etc. Qualified charter pilots and General aviation examiners , some times they are damn good than the certain kids getting through A320 pushing knobs and accumulating Jet hours with no other aviation knowledge , there could be professionals and individuals with a sound understanding with a broader aviation knowledge and experience than having jet hours ,
Failing a sim test , not getting in to Sri Lankan airlines is not a bench mark to work for CAA, most of the times they bring solid experience and work ethics , remember that ! with all do respect getting an aviation expert who has flown Jets and years of solid experience is vital.Its not mandatory. But good Civilian aircraft and aviation knowledge is important.
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Sahan Janith / December 22, 2018
Did anyone thought of the reason for Lushan Fernando is limited to a low salary position at CAASL while all other Captains in the industry earns $ 15-20K a month??
1. Lushan was failed Twice in the SriLankan Airline intake A320 Simulators by Capt. Nihal Jayawikrama duel to lack of knowledge, poor performance and the bad attitude and failed to get in to SriLankan Airlines twice.
2. Lushan Fernando was flying Avro aircraft for an Airline in Africa. He crashed an aircraft in to flames and narrowly escaped and the Airline foundout a Selfie Picture of Lushan Fernando was uploaded to social media with the burning aircraft in the background. He is a person of that sort of a weird mentality. Immediately an investigation commenced against him and escaped from that and now he is in Sri Lanka while the Airline is still in the phase of investigation. First thing to do after evacuation to cover up the Aircraft Registration and markings of the Aircraft to hide from images getting spreaded in the media with the brandings in it. But Lushan has done the opposit by uploading selfi of him with burning aircraft in the background.
This shows the level and standards of our Civil Aviatiin Authority our mentality to recruit a person with that background and mentality and given such a responsible position at CAASL.
Dear viewers, there is nothing to be surprised about this sort of an Incident of bribing taken place.
On the complain letter it shows this has gone to DGCA nearly month ago and No action been taken against Lushan Fernando.
Dear Viewers, we have question!!??
Reason DGCA has not taken any action indicates that there might be a team officials at CAASL involved in bribing including Lushan and DGCA behind this. For you to decide!!
The best part….After this has come in to the public, we have seen still Lushan is going to CAASL with DGCAs blessings and recently he has participated the Christmas Carols at CAASL.
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D De Z / December 23, 2018
May be DGCA is well aware of the background of the person who has made the complaint.
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Sahan Perera / December 22, 2018
As citizens of Sri Lanka, we all should help one another with our authorities in order to lift our countries economy.
We need Sri Lankas to invest in our country and open up more and more businesses in order to rise up our economy. Then instead of us Sri Lankans going abroad in search of more money. We can higher employes from all around the world to work for us.
Just like Qatar does!!!
Also as humans we all are not perfect, we tend to do wrong things. That does not mean that he/she is not worth for our country. It is normal for humans to do wrong thing yet if he/she was corrected instead of searching for more wrong things which he/she has done in the past and pressureing him/her more low, our country can have more benefits from his/her experience and work.
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Anonymous / December 22, 2018
The truth is known by a few. And the truth will be revealed soon…..
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