Mattala flight runs into a flock of birds

by Risidra Mendis-2013-03-28 The predictions by bird experts over the collision of birds with the aircrafts landing and taking off from the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) has come true with the recent incident of a SriLankan Airlines flight coming in contact with a flock of birds. The SriLankan flight is reported to have hit a flock of birds on 25 March 2013, while flying from the MRIA to the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake. Prior to the opening of MRIA on 18 March 2013, Director General and CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, H.M.C. Nimalasiri, said the issue regarding birds hitting planes was brought to the notice of the airport authorities and a new plan was drawn up for the flights. He stressed all measures have been taken for flights to avoid the sensitive areas of the national parks. However, when Ceylon Today contacted Nimalasiri with regard to the recent incident, he said bird strikes happen even at the BIA and that they have to monitor the situation for a year and see whether it improves. "The BIA had reported around 12 or 13 bird strikes in 2012 while the Trichy Airport has reported 38 bird collisions in 2012," Nimalasiri claimed. He added the Airport and Aviation Authority is in touch with bird expert, Prof. Sarath Kotagama, with regard to this matter. The SriLankan Airlines flight had 40 passengers on board when it hit with the flock of birds. Another SriLankan flight, while on a test flight to Mattala in March (prior to the airport being opened) also faced a similar incident, when it collided with a flock of birds. However, no damage was caused to the aircraft. Co-Secretary of the Ceylon Bird Club, Kithsiri Gunewardene, told Ceylon Today this is the time of year when migrant water fowls leave Sri Lanka to their countries of origin. "When the airport is in the vicinity of a national park, birds colliding with the aircraft can occur. If aircraft continue to fly at 3,500 feet they can collide with birds. This problem could be sorted out if the airport authorities take preventive measures," Gunewardene said. According to him, flares and crackers could be used when an aircraft is about to land or take off to prevent birds from getting hit by planes. CEO of SriLankan Airlines, Kapila Chandrasena said bird strikes happen around every airport and there is no significant risk of bird strikes at MRIA. "Even near BIA there are two or three bird strikes per month. It is a normal thing where airports are concerned," he said. He added, aircraft had not sustained any damages due to the incident as the bird strike happened to the nose of the aircraft.

Crackdown on extremists by Binoy Suriyaarachchi-2013-03-28 The Police Department has launched a special operation apprehend those involved in defaming religions and creating religious disharmony in the country Via mobile phones, e-mail and social media, such as Facebook and Twitter. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday arrested two persons for sending contentious SMS text messages that could create religious hatred among people, police sources said. An investigation was initiated to arrest the culprits after the police received several complaints, Police Spokesperson, SP Buddhika Siriwardana told Ceylon Today. The suspects have been identified as a Muslim and a Buddhist, who allegedly used their mobile phones to send defaming religious text messages concerning Buddhism and Islam. "The public can support the police by providing tips about such matters via hotline, 0112 320 145," the SP said. Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP), N.K. Illangakoon, said necessary measures have been taken to ensure security for the Muslims, who visit the Deyata Kirula exhibition in Ampara. "Muslims have avoided visiting due to the threats they have received from various groups," the IGP said in a statement. He noted that some groups are attempting to make Deyata Kirula out of bound for Muslims, by spreading rumours. He insisted the public should not to be misled by such speculations.