About IATA

The IATA Agents Association of Sri Lanka was founded in 1988 with an initial membership of 12 Travel Agents accredited by the International Air Transportation Association. It has grown over the past 12 years into an entity of high repute, accepted for its reliability and standards by travelers, at home and across the world. The association derives its strength primarily from its membership of 80 top Travel Agencies Located within the commercial hubs of Sri Lanka. This is a grouping of professionals dedicated to offering their customers the best service standards possible, on par with the highest and most advanced international standards.

They were first in the field with the internet advantage providing discerning regular customers in the Corporate and Independent sectors, with the facility of making travel arrangements direct, from their offices and homes. A continuous commitment to adopting themselves to Sri Lankan expectations also contributes to the position they now enjoy as market leaders. The Associations Council directs its activities in a wide field, concentrating on uplifting the standards of the Industry together with our main business partners. The membership of the IATA Agents Association is clearly a head in Outbound Travel Services where critical parameters of paramount importance have to be set, and when innovative solutions together with sophisticated technology must be deployed.

IATA History

The International Air Transport Association - IATA, was founded in Havana, Cuba, in April 1945. In the beginning the Association consisted of 57 Members from 31 nations, mostly in Europe and North America while today IATA has over 270 Members from more than 140 nations from around the world. The International Air Transport Association is the successor to the International Air Traffic Association founded in the Hague in 1919, the year of the world's first international scheduled services. IATA today is the main body for inter-airline cooperation in promoting safe, reliable, secure and economical air services - for the benefit of the world's consumers.

Since the inception of IATA in 1945, the international scheduled air transport industry is more than 100 times larger. This dynamic growth level would not have been possible without the standards, practices and procedures developed within IATA. For more details on IATA please contact -

Nadarajah Prabaharan
Country Manager – Sri Lanka
International Air Transport Association
Level 14, East Tower ,
World Trade Centre,
Echelon Square,
Colombo - 1, Sri Lanka.
Tele - +94 11 243 8888
Fax - +94 11 243 8884
Email - praban@iata.org

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce which has been acting as the Secretariat for the IATA Agents Association of Sri Lanka since 1994 coordinates the monthly meetings of the council and organizes various events and activities throughout the year. The Council meetings and Special General Meetings are held within the premises of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. The Council also consists of Sub Committees that focus on areas which address the concerns of the general membership related to Industry affairs, such as the Diplomatic Liaison, Finance & Accounts, IATA Rules & Regulations, Activities & Fund Raising, Membership and Airline Relations.

Constitution


Title
The Association shall be called the "IATA AGENTS' ASSOCIATION OF SRI LANKA". Registered Office The registered office shall be in the City of Colombo, as determined by the Association.

Objectives
   To provide a forum which will bring together Agents of IATA, and to develop a closer relationship and better understanding amongst members
   To promote inter-change of ideas, provide information, and to improve business methods relating to the travel industry, with a view to improving the efficiency of the travel industry
   To work in closer liaison with the Government, Airlines and other institutions connected with the air travel industry
   To represent matters collectively as a body at all levels
   To lay down a code of conduct acceptable to members
   To take steps that may be deemed necessary in pursuance of the objectives enumerated above
   To hold seminars, exhibitions and conferences, calculated directly or indirectly to advance the course of travel industry
   To advertise and otherwise popularize and promote the travel industry

Membership

Membership of the Association shall be restricted to Passenger sales Agents who are appointed Agents of IATA.

Application for Membership
All IATA Agents who attend the inaugural meeting, a detailed record of which attendance shall be kept in the Minute Books of the IATA Agents' Association of Sri Lanka, to adopt the constitution for the formation of the Association, shall be termed Founder members. Except in the case of Founder Members, any firm, company or organization, whether IATA Agents or upon obtaining IATA Agency, may join the Association. Such a body may submit to the Secretary of the Association, an application for membership, duly proposed and seconded by a Council Member and the other may be a member of the Association.

The Secretary shall submit such applications to members at the next succeeding meeting. A new member shall be elected by a majority vote at the meeting of members, at which the proposal has been submitted. No reason need be assigned by the Association or any member thereof, for the rejection of any application.

Register of Members
The Secretary shall maintain a Register of Members in which shall be entered the following information:

  NAME OF MEMBER
   ADDRESS
  DATE OF ENROLMENT
  DATE OF CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP (IF ANY)

Membership Fee
An enrolment fee of Rs.10,000/- shall be payable by every member seeking admission for membership of the Association The annual rate of subscription to the Association shall be such sums as the Members may resolve at an Annual General Meeting. In the first year, the subscription payable shall be Rs.5,000/- per Member. A Member who is in arrears of his annual subscription for more than three months forfeits his membership upon decision by the Council, provided however, that before such a decision is effected, the Council shall give the member concerned, 14 days notice in writing to pay up the amount of annual subscriptions in arrears. All subscriptions shall be made within six (6) weeks from the beginning of each financial year

Disputes between Members
Any dispute between members relating to one of the following matters may be reported to the council by a member

  Disputes relating to monetary transactions between members
  Any other dispute deemed dispute of serious nature

The council shall then appoint a committee of three persons who are not parties to the dispute, to inquire and report. The council shall on the basis of the report make reasonable order for settlement within a reasonable time frame. If the member, who has to make settlement, fails to do so, within that time frame, that member shall be in violation for section 9B, thereby forfeiting membership.

Termination of Membership
Membership of the Association shall ipso facto terminate :-

  On a Member submitting his resignation in writing to the Council
  Upon a resolution by the membership removing a member for a contravention of the provisions of the Constitution
  On a Member ceasing to be an IATA Agent

Council of the Association

The business of the Association shall, subject as hereinafter provided, be conducted by a Council of its members consisting of a total of 14, representing 14 different Members of the Association, at least of a Managerial level, and in the event of such Member leaving the industry, the Council will be empowered to appoint by a majority, a suitable alternate Member. To be eligible to serve on the Council of the Association, a member company shall be a member of the Association for a minimum of three (3) years;

   President
   Immediate Past President
   Vice President
   11 Council Members

The quorum for a Council Meeting shall be 6 Members The Meeting of the Council shall be held at least once a month. The Meeting of the Council shall be summoned by the General Secretary or his Assistant at the request of the President Or At the request of 4 Members of the Council The Council shall meet at such times and place as it shall from time to time decide, and all times the Council shall determine its own procedure.

The President elected under provisions of this section can hold office only for one year or until the forthcoming annual general meeting of the Association. The Vice President of the Association shall be appointed by the President elect. The Vice President holding office at the time of election shall succeed the outgoing President who by virtue of his past Presidency shall continue to serve in the Council as "Immediate Past President" until the next Annual General Meeting.

The eleven Council members shall thereafter be elected to the Council under the Chairmanship of the President elect. All members so elected shall hold office in person as individuals but representing the respective Institutional Membership of the Association. Such Members elected to the Council cease to be Councilors at the next election at Special or Annual General Meeting unless otherwise re-elected to the Council at such meetings.

Any member of the Council who fails to attend three consecutive meetings without leave, will be deemed to have vacated his seat in the Council, upon a minute to that effect being made in the Council proceedings. No member shall send in a substitute for meetings in his absence. If a vacancy occurs in the Council, the Council shall be empowered to co-opt a member of the Association to fill such vacancy. Such an appointee shall hold office until the next Annual General Meeting following his appointment.

Election of Council Members may be by ballot or show of hands as the Council may decide from time to time. Written nominations for Council posts should be called for atleast fourteen (14) days before the Annual General Meeting and should reach the Secretariat seven (7) days before the Annual General Meeting. The Council shall have powers to take financial decisions to the benefit of the Association.

Secretary of the Association
The Post of Secretary of the Association would be held by the Secretary-General of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce or his authorized representative, ex-officio or paid employee appointed under section 12 as decided by a resolution and duly adopted by the Council. He shall have no voting rights. The Secretary of the Association shall maintain a minute book giving a true record of the proceedings of all meetings.

Appointment of Staff
The Council shall be entitled to appoint staff of such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the council The Council shall be empowered to exercise disciplinary control over such staff including their dismissal.

Delegation of Authority by the Council
The council may by resolution, delegate any of its powers and functions to any officers duly appointed or to a Committee of Council Members, subject to such terms and conditions as may be laid down by the Council. Such delegation may be altered or revoked by the Council at any time as the Council may deem necessary or expedient.

Books and Accounts
The Council shall cause to be maintained proper books of accounts relating to the income and expenditure of the Association, assets and liabilities, and shall cause such accounts to be audited at the end of every financial year of the Association. The books of accounts shall be kept at the registered office of the association or at such other place as the Council may decide, and shall always be open to the inspection of the Council and to the members, to the extent permitted by the Council.

Financial Year
The financial year of the Association shall be the year commencing the 1st of April and ending 31st of March of the following year.

Banking Accounts
The funds of the Association shall be held in a bank account in the name of the Association, and signatories to all banking operations shall be the President or the Immediate Past President and the Vice President of the Association; or the funds of the Association shall be held in a bank account in the name of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and disbursed under the direction of the Council. Single payment of and over Rs. 500/- shall require prior approval by the president or in his absence the Vice President, and to be ratified by the Council. Quarterly statement of income and expenditure shall be submitted to the Council.

Power to make By-Laws
The Association shall be entitled to make bye-laws and to amend, alter or add to such bye-laws so long as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of these rules, and for carrying out the purpose and objectives of the Association Bye-laws shall relate to the conduct of meetings of the Association, the Council and any Committee of the Council and the procedure to be followed at such meetings.

Code of Ethics


Members' obligations
A concept of social responsibility and ethical conduct is inherent in every society The main reason for the existence of a commercial organization is to produce a market and provide services which satisfy both the needs of the commercial organization in terms of an adequate return on investment, taking into account the risks undertaken. There can also be no dispute that its first responsibility is to be profitable. This is essential not only for the Shareholders, but also for the livelihood and security of its Employees.

IATA believes that these aims can be best achieved in a free enterprise system and in a market economy which allows free enterprise at reasonable scope. A successful and respected Private Sector is an essential prerequisite to the future development of the country. We therefore believe that business is an obligation to advance and promote the principles, not only of economic growth, but also of National Development and Social Progress As Businessmen who are Members of IATA, we accept our commitment to the following basic obligations

1. Obligations to our Customers
2. Obligations to our Employees
3. Obligations to Society
4. Obligations to Competitors within the Trade

We also accept that at various times IATA may be required to give priority to the interest of one or more Members involved in, or affected by its activities, in preference to another. We recognize that in the long term however, this Organization must strike a fair balance, so that the interests of all Members are taken into consideration and no group is unjustly neglected.

1.Obligations to our customers

 

  • Quality
  • Sales Services
  • Advertising and Promotions

   Ensure that in providing customer services we take every precaution to protect their interest
   Provide programmes that meet high standards of quality at a reasonable price
   Ensure that all services that are marketed are of the quality contracted for with the Principal or the client

   Eliminate fraud and deception; to abide by the law and carry out agreements concluded in good faith, setting as our goal not    strict legality, but honesty in all transactions
   Honour product warranties, guarantees and arrange for satisfactory services

Accept that whilst the business has a legitimate right to use its skills to increase the sales of its product and to expand the market, it should not make unfair use of pricing; of consumer, or of trade promotions, for the sole purpose of eliminating competitors and fellow members. Avoid the use of improper, exaggerated, or misleading advertising claims. If superiority is claimed over competitive products or services in any particular aspect of product or service, the Advertiser should be in a position to demonstrate their superiority. Members shall be factual and accurate when providing information about their services, which they represent. They shall not, at any time or place, use misleading or deceptive practices.

2. Obligations to our employees
   Ensure that reasonable wages and other facilities [stipulated by the Government for Employees in the Trade] are made      available to Employees. These minimum standards should not be circumvented through the use of legal loopholes.
   Recruit/employ and promote Employees on the basis of their qualifications and capabilities, irrespective of differences in      race, sex, religion or politics.
   Ensure that adequate health and safety precautions are provided in their work and work environs, so that Employees are      not exposed to hazards, ill health, or security risks.
   Members shall endeavour to give priority to training and educational initiatives aimed at enhancing the professionalism and      quality standards of the industry and reducing staff turnover.
   Treat all Employees, irrespective of their position in the business, with respect as human beings and not to subject them to      any indignities.

3. Obligations to society
   Members shall strictly observe all stipulated governmental regulations, licensing requirements, laws and by-laws that have      been issued with regard to the operational activities of the travel and tourism industry.
   The social customs of the Country must always be adhered to.
   Be good citizens and play a positive role in the community from which we draw our Employees, allied services &  customers.
   Operate, as far as possible, according to the national economic and social goals and policies and, by doing so; contribute to employment, increased living standards and the solution of social problems that arise from the changing environment  and technology.

4. Obligations to competitors within the trade Members shall settle all debts amongst Members and Suppliers without undue delay, and in accordance with their agency agreements, whichever are applicable. In the event a Member Agency intends to close down its operations, the relevant Agency shall inform the Association, which in turn shall inform all Members of such intention. 5.Illegal immigrants To ensure that we do not transact any business with illegal immigrants.

6.Implementation
   To comply with the Code of Ethics, both in the letter and in the spirit
   To accept that where there is evidence of non-compliance with the Code of Ethics, the IATA Agents' Associationmay hold an inquiry; and where violation of the Code is established, to accept that action may be taken by the Association in relation to each violation in the form of admonition to comply in the future, or warning, or suspension, or even expulsion  as the Association may deem fit.
   To accept as final and conclusive such decisions of the IATA Agents' Association.




Past Presidents

"Outstanding leaders appeal to the hearts of their followers - not their minds." Given below are the list of outstanding personalities that have led the IATA Agents Association of Sri Lanka. Their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment has kept the Association's flag flying high through these years.

Mr. Udaya Nanayakkara
Mr. Tissa Molligod
Mr. Jinendra Ediriweera
Mr. Imtiaz Esufall

1988 / 1989 | 1989 / 1990

1993/ 1994

1991 / 1992
1991 / 1992
1994 / 1995
Mr. Trevor Rajaratnam
Mr. Nihal Perera
Mr. Nilmin Nanayakkara
Mr. Ananda Dhatabaya

1995 / 1996 | 2000 / 2001

2004 / 2005
1996 / 1997
1997 / 1999
1998 / 1999
Mr. Bernard Wijetunge
Mr. Suresh Mendis
Mr. Ahintha Amerasinghe
Mr. V. Mahathevan
1999 / 2000
2009 / 2010
2001 / 2002
2005 / 2006
2002 / 2003
2003 / 2004
Mr. Dino De Fonseka
Mr. Riza Ahamath
Mr. Rizmi Riyal
Mr. Koelmeyer
2006 / 2007
2007 / 2008
2008 / 2009.
2010 / 2011
Past Councils


Council Members of the IATA Agents Association of Sri Lanka for the year 2009/2010
Past Council 2009 - 10

Standing (L-R)
Ms. Nazreen Ramzi (IATA-AASL Secretariat)
Mr. Jude Condrad (Council Member)
Mr. A. Vigneswaran (Council Member)
Mr. S. Paramanathan (Council Member)
Mr. V. Anthony Rajah (Council Member)
Mr. Nishantha Senaveratne (Council Member)
Ms. Dulara Samarasinghe (IATA-AASL Secretariat)

Seated (L-R)
Mr. Riza Ahamat (Council Member)
Mr. V Mahathevan (Council Member)
Mr. Trevor Rajaratnam (Council Member)
Mr. Rodney Koelmeyer (Vice President)
Mr. Bernard Wijetunge (President)
Mr. Rizmi Reyal (Imm. Past President)
Mr. Suresh Mendis ( Council Member)
Mr. Ahintha Amarasinghe ( Council Member)

Council Members of the IATA Agents Association of Sri Lanka for the year 2008/2009.
Past Council 2008 - 09

Standing (L-R)
Mr. Dino De Fonseka (Council Member)
Mr. S Paramanathan (Council Member)
Mr. Chanaka Rodrigo (Council Member)
Mr. Jude Condrad (Council Member)
Mr. Suresh Mendis (Council Member)
Mr. Trevor Rajaratnam (Council Member)
Mr. Nishantha Senaveratne (Council Member)
Mr. Rodney Koelmeyer (Council Member)
Mr. V Mahathevan (Council Member)

Seated (L-R)
Ms. Dulara Samarasinghe Mr. Riza Ahamat (Council Member)
Mr. Rizmi Reyal (President)
Mr. Bernard Wijetunge (Vice President )
Ms. Suba de Silva


Council Members of the IATA Agents Association of Sri Lanka for the year 2007/2008.
iata-past-councils

Seated (L-R)
Trevor Rajaratnam (Mackinnons American Express Travels (Pvt) Ltd,
Dino de Fonseka (Imm. Past President),
Riza Ahamat (President),
Rizmi Reyal (The Traveller Global (Pvt) Ltd
Suresh Mendis (Classic Travels (Pvt) Ltd.

Standing (L-R)
Dulara Samarasinghe (Ceylon Chamber of Commerce),
Nishantha Senevirathne (Aitken Spence Overseas Travel Services (Pvt) Ltd),
Rodney Koelmeyer (Superlink Travels (Pvt) Ltd),
S Paramanathan (Atlas Lanka (Pvt) Ltd),
Rimzi Nazeer (Global Holidays (Pvt) Ltd),
Jude Condrad (Himprass Tours), Bernard Wijestunge (Gabo Travels),
V Mahathevan (Pyramid Air Services Ltd),
Ahintha Amerasinghe (Worldlink Travels (Pvt) Ltd)
Lakmali Udugampola (Ceylon Chamber of Commerce)

Council Members of the IATA Agents Association of Sri Lanka for the year 2006/2007.
iata-past-council

Seated (L-R)
Mr. Trevor Rajaratnam (Mackinnons American Express Travels (Pvt) Ltd,
Mr. Riza Ahamat (Vice President),
Mr. Dino De Fonseka (President),
Mr. Suresh Mendis (Imm. Past President),
Ms. Lakmali Udugampola (Ceylon Chamber of Commerce)

Standing (L-R)
Mr. Nishantha Senaveratne (Aitken Spence Overseas Travel Services (Pvt) Ltd),
Mr. Rimzi Nazeer (Global Holidays (Pvt) Ltd),
Mr. Jude Condrad (Himprass Tours),
Mr. Bernard Wijestunge (Gabo Travels),
Mr. Milton Kuruppu (Hawk Travels Ltd),
Mr. Rizmi Reyal (The Traveller Global (Pvt) Ltd),
Mr. V Mahathevan (Pyramid Air Services Ltd),
Mr. Ahintha Amarasinghe (Worldlink Travels (Pvt) Ltd),
Mr. Sunil Peiris (Jetwing Travels (Pvt) Ltd).

Council Members of the IATA Agents Association of Sri Lanka for the year 2005/2006.
iata-past-council

Seated (L-R)
Mr. Bernard Wijetunge (Gabo Travels),
Mr. Ahintha Amerasinghe (Vice President),
Mr. Suresh Mendis (President),
Mr. Trevor Rajaratnam (Imm. Past President),
Mr. V. Mahathevan (Pyramid Air Services Ltd.)

Standing (L-R)
Mr. Nishantha Senevirathne (Aitken Spence Overseas Travel Services (Pvt) Ltd.
Mr. Riza Ahamat (Hemas Travels (Pvt) Ltd),
Mr. Rimzi Nazeer (Global Holidays (Pvt) Ltd.),
Ms. Lakmali Udugampola (Manager/Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (IATA/AASL Secretariat),
Mr. Dino de Fonseka (Del Air Travels (Pvt) Ltd.),
Mr. Rodney J Koelmeyer (Superlink Travels (Pvt) Ltd.), Wing. Comm. Wimal Fernando (Finlays Travels Ltd.) Absent:
Mr. Fouzi Marikkar (Shums & Sons (Travels) Ltd.,
Mr. Channe Wijemanne (George Steuarts Travel International Ltd.),
Mr. Milton Kuruppu (Hawk Travels Ltd.

Meetings of the Association


The Annual General Meeting of the Association shall be held not later than 30th June any year, (in additional to any other meeting of that year) unless or otherwise postponed, for valid reasons which are acceptable to the General Membership, for the transaction of the following business -

   To receive the report of the council & audited accounts of the Association for the previous year.
   To elect members of the Council for the ensuing year.
  To elect Auditors.
   To consider any motion or resolution of which due notice shall have been given to the council not less than seven (7)       days before the date of the meeting.

A General Meeting of the Association shall be convened at least once in every quarter of a calendar year.
A special General Meeting of the Association shall be convened on the written requisition of not less than 25 percent of the members for the time being on the register or upon the directive of the President of the Council.
Every member shall be eligible to exercise one vote in person at any General Meeting, provided the current yearly membership subscription has been paid The quorum at an Annual General Meeting shall be 10 members, at a General or Special General Meeting, shall also be 10 members If a quorum is not present, the meeting if convened upon the requisition of members shall be dissolved In any other case it shall stand adjourned to same day in the next week at the same time and place, and if at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting, five members present shall be a quorum Each member shall nominate not less than two members of the organization eligible to attend meetings of the Association. Such nominations will be at the Partner/Director level, or a person duly authorized/ nominated by the member concerned. However, such a nominee may invite another member of staff to accompany him to such meetings but a member shall have one vote

Notice of Meeting
 Notice of every Annual General Meeting, General Meeting or special General Meeting shall be given at least 14 days before the date of such meetings. Only matters in respect of which due notice has been given shall be taken up at such meetings. The notice shall specify the place, day and time of meeting and the nature of the business to be transacted at the meeting.

Chairman of Meetings
The President shall preside at all meetings of the Council, or in his absence, the Vice President shall preside. If neither the President nor the Vice President is present the meeting shall elect a member of the Council to preside.

Amendments
The Constitution of the Association may be amended at an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting by a resolution passed by more than 75 percent of the members present at such meetings.

Application of Funds
None of the funds or assets of the Association or any part thereof shall be paid out or distributed amongst the members of the Association and/ or the Council by way of remuneration or otherwise howsoever other then in respect of reimbursement of actual expenses incurred.

Interpretation
If any matter arises in the interpretation of these Rules or Bye-Laws, framed under these Rules for the determination of which no provision is made, the same shall be determinedly the Council, and every such determination shall be valid and effectual as if it were herein contained, without prejudice to the right of the Association at a Special General Meeting to determine otherwise. In these, Rules, unless the context otherwise requires:

   "The Association" shall mean "IATA AGENTS' ASSOCIATION OF SRI LANKA" established by these Rules.
   "Council" shall mean the Council of Members duly elected under Rule 9.
   Bye-Laws shall mean the "Bye-law" made by the Council. Every such Bye-Law so made shall be deemed to be valid and  effectual as if it were a Rule of the Association.

Indemnity
It is expressly declared and understood that the Council as a body, and each Council Member as an individual, shall not be liable in damages in respect of the exercise of his functions as an office bearer, a member of the Council or as a voter at any meeting, and in the event of any legal action, the Council and the members shall at all times be indemnified from and out of the funds, property and assets of the Association in consequence of any act, deed matter or thing done or omitted to be done in respect of or in connection with the business of the Association or of any contract entered into on behalf of the Association.

IATA - Annual General Meeting

IATA - Annual General Meeting - 2009

The 21st Annual General Meeting of the IATA Agents Association of Sri Lanka for the year 2009/10 was held on the 4th of July 2009 at Ashraya International Hotel, Banglore, India.

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A Special General Meeting - 2010

A Special General Meeting of the Membership of the IATA Agents Association of Sri Lanka was held on Wednesday, 7th April 2010, at 4.00 p.m in the Ground Floor Auditorium of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to discuss industrial issues and to launch the IATA-AASL new logo.

Gallery page