The Colombo Crimes Division (CID) yesterday arrested the Managing Director and the Chief Engineer of the Sakurai Aviation Ltd. over the emergency landings of two aircraft operated by them in December.
Four persons on board the aircraft - the two pilots and two foreign passengers - were admitted to the Negombo Hospital with injuries. The incident occurred on December 27 last year.
A similar incident occurred on December 22, when an aircraft belonging to the same private company was forced to land on the Payagala beach due to an engine failure.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) subsequently suspended the company’s operations on December 27, until further notice.
Police further said that engine failures have occurred due to the fuel used by the company. The Police added that since two foreign passengers were injured in the incident, Sri Lanka tourism in Sri Lanka would be blemished if relevant action is not taken. According to Police, the CCD detained the private aviation's MD and Chief Engineer for negligence in the event.
Police said the CCD arrested the 53-year-old Managing Director, a resident of Ratmalana and 46-year old Chief Engineer who is a resident of Horana for criminal negligence over both incidents.
The suspects were produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
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