While trade unions in the aviation sector claimed that the migration of local air traffic controllers to other countries is becoming a major issue, the Treasury has agreed to introduce a new salary structure for air traffic controllers, said the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation.

Recently, the Sri Lanka Air Traffic Controllers Association (SLATCA), one of the major trade unions affiliated with the aviation sector, revealed that the migration of local air traffic controllers to other countries is becoming a major issue in Sri Lankan aviation. The SLATCA Secretary Rajitha Seneviratne had told the media that local air traffic controllers have begun to leave the country lately. 

When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (31 August), the Secretary to the Ministry K.D.S. Ruwanchandra said that they have already sent a proposal prepared by the Ministry in this regard to the Treasury and that it (Treasury) has agreed to introduce a new salary structure for air traffic controllers. 

“After having several discussions with the trade unions of air traffic controllers, we sent a series of proposals to the Treasury. They informed us that they are to introduce a new salary structure for this group of employees,” he said.

Ruwanchandra added that the Ministry is working to prepare a Cabinet paper regarding the matter in order to submit to the Cabinet of Ministers if it is necessary. He also said that the subject Minister (attorney Nimal Siripala de Silva) is to discuss the Treasury’s decision with the air traffic controllers.

However, the SLATCA noted that an international recruiting agency is currently carrying out interviews to place 20 air traffic controllers in the Middle East at the moment and that there would be an issue if a large number of air traffic controllers were to leave at once.