It doesn't matter how shiny and new Air Lanka's jets are, and how good its service is: Sri Lanka is no garden spot. The ongoing civil war between the Sinhalese and Tamil separatists with 55,000 dead soldiers and dead civilians during the past 15 years does not promote tourism. Instead of pumping millions of dollars into its national "showcase" airline, this bankrupt government would be well to do to get its basket case economy in order first, starting with a geopolitical settlement with the Tamils. Meanwhhile, the airline would be well to do in providing essential regional service with cheaper, older jets, rather than to try to be a world player with big jets in funneling passengers from Euorope to the Far East.