Work to rule delays flights

(January 04, Colombo- Katunayake, Sri Lanka Guardian) All flights have been delayed since last night due to a work-to-rule campaign launched by officials of the Department of Immigration and Emigration. “The delay has compelled airlines to re-schedule their flights,” said Prasanna J. Wickremasuriya, Chairman of the Airport and Aviation Services Company.

He said flights had been delayed by about 1 ½ hours.

The Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda thero, President of the officials' trade union said that the dispute had arisen over problems with regard to salaries and service procedures.

“We have been agitating for a solution for the last two years but no remedial measures are forthcoming,” the thero said.

However, the Controller of Immigration and Emigration, P. B. Abeykoon said that recommendations on salary anomalies and incentives had been sent to the relevant Commission.

“The recommendations are being studied and once approval is granted, they could be implemented,” said Abeykoon.