Commendation for UL crew on board turbulent Paris flight

On June 18, a SriLankan flight, flying from Paris to Colombo encountered severe turbulence. Five crew members received injuries but all passengers were unharmed and the flight landed safely in Colombo.

Following is a letter by management consultant, speaker, author and trainer Deepal Sooriyaarachchi commending the service of the SriLankan staff, during the incident.

I was on the UL 564 on June 11 that flew from Paris to Colombo occupying the seat number 20C with my wife, who was seated next to me.

From the time we started the journey, both of us were noticing the professional yet genuinely caring nature of the crew who served our section led by a Senior Staff called Chamari. I would rate her one of the best I have come across.

I commended her then and there noticing how she took care of a single mother who was flying with three kids including a 14-month-old baby. She was weak herself and the two elder children and herself continuously vomited due to deepal air sickness. Because she was not capable of getting up and going, every time she filled the bags with vomit these ladies of the crew helped her by taking them to the toilet.

Chamari constantly advised her to ensure that the baby was put on the safety belt and sometimes firmly stating the danger. Thanks to her vigilance, this baby was unharmed when we went through bad weather. It was such a had jerk; all of us were lifted up to the level of the top of the hand rest.

Once again, I saw how professional and committed the entire crew on board.

The real leadership of Asanga (I think I got the name correct), the crew leader, came out when he addressed us by the PA system. He never referred to us as passengers but valued guests and his words and the tone reflected genuine care.

After the incident, they did all this, while a few of their own team members were also injured.

I was really touched by the sincerity of the team. Please pass on this recognition to Chamari and Asanga and the rest of the crew members.

The moment I saw this incident being published on Facebook (FB) I commended giving my praise to the team.

(Deepal Sooriyaarachchi - Management consultant, speaker, author and trainer)