SriLankan Airlines has decided to implement a voluntary retirement scheme to save the national carrier from the current financial crisis. Under this, approximately 560 employees are expected to retire at an estimated cost of 1.46 billion rupees. The proposal made by Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga, Minister of Tourism, to proceed with the related activities, was approved by the Cabinet. A three member committee headed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation and Export Zonal Development has been appointed to study the matter. The committee recommended that the committee implement the proposed voluntary retirement scheme so as not to jeopardize the company's operations for the next three years.