SriLankan Airlines have confirmed that one of their pilots has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus, just days after he reportedly attended an annual cricket match between two of Colombo’s elite schools.
In a statement, the cash-stricken airline said that the pilot “operated his last lay-over flight to Singapore on February 28, 2020 and thereafter all the flights he operated have been turnaround flights”.
“Upon learning his medical condition this evening, all crew members who had come to contact with him during the last 14 days have been put under self-quarantine with immediate effect,” it added.
It did not comment on whether any other crew members or passengers have been tested or are exhibiting any symptoms.
The announcement comes just days after the pilot was reportedly seen at the annual cricket match between Colombo’s Royal College and S. Thomas’ College. The encounter is routinely attended by many of Colombo’s political and ruling elite. There are no reports of any other attendees testing positive for the virus, as of yet.
Earlier this moth SriLankan Airlines confirmed it will lose USD130 million for the year, and requested a USD300 million bailout from the Sri Lankan government as debts continued to pile up.
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