Japan returnees want more relief from SriLankan

Text and pix by Kumarasiri Prasad

Sri Lankan returnees on the special flight sent by SriLankan airlines charge that the national carrier should have been more conscientious and reduced their fares to enable people who cannot afford to buy tickets to come at concessionary rates.

Susantha Karunathilake, a resident of Maharagama who returned on the special flight told media that national carriers of other countries had reduced their fares to assist their citizens to return home but that in contrast SriLankan had not only refused to reduce their rates but had in fact increased them.

“We were very disappointed by this fact. The main duty of the national carrier is to extend assistance to people who cannot afford to return home to do so. There are many people who have gone to Japan without visas or are in constrained financial situations and they need assistance. Not only had the fares on this flight not been reduced but they were even higher than normal,” he charged.

The returnees also disclosed that there are many Sri Lankans who cannot reserve a booking stranded in Japan. They pointed out that the government should make special arrangements to assist illegal immigrants as well as other people who wish to return.

“Most people are leaving because of the uncertainty caused by the earthquake. But the Japanese government has taken many steps to safeguard the people and are even testing food for radiation contamination,” said Mahesh Dissanayake a resident of Nawala, Koswatte. Sounding optimistic he was confident of a speedy return and emphasised that he would return even within a week if the situation became more stable. School children had been given instructions not to go outside during rain and not to air their washed clothes outside due to possible radiation contamination.