Reports indicate that the government is preparing to appoint a new Chairman for SriLankan Airlines shortly after the New Year period.
Unofficial sources suggest that the decision regarding aviation professional Peter Hill’s appointment is currently under the consideration of the President. While there had been industry speculation that the current Tourism Chairman, Buddhika Hewawasam, was being considered for the role, it is now believed that the government has reconsidered this option. With the tourism sector facing ongoing pressures, particularly due to Middle East tensions and with arrivals showing a slight dip, authorities appear keen to maintain focused leadership within the sector.
Peter Hill, aged 83, brings extensive international aviation experience. He has previously worked with several Gulf carriers, BA and TAAG Angola Airlines. Notably, he served as CEO of SriLankan Airlines from 1998 to 2008 during the Emirates management era. More recently, he served as Vice President – Passenger Operations at FitsAir, a Sri Lanka-based low-cost carrier.
Sources further indicate that although the Chairman appointment was expected to be finalized today (10), it has been postponed until after the New Year period due to two key concerns raised at the highest levels. If appointed, Hill would become the first foreign national to hold the position of Chairman at SriLankan Airlines as a political appointment.
Meanwhile, following the Chairman appointment, attention is expected to shift toward the CEO position. Unofficial reports suggest that a Sri Lankan candidate reportedly an investment banker is positioning himself for the role. An article published today on the Daily News website, titled “SriLankan Airlines to chart a five-year turnaround with route cuts, public listings under a leaner operation model,” is believed to be linked to this development.
Editor’s Note
For the first time, both the Chairman and CEO positions of SriLankan Airlines are under intense public and industry scrutiny. Stakeholders are closely watching these appointments, anticipating much-needed stability for the national carrier, which continues to operate with significant public funding.
Several candidates have begun promoting themselves through media platforms, each presenting their vision for the airline’s future. However, regardless of who assumes leadership, the government may still be required to provide ongoing financial support to ensure the airline’s smooth and sustainable operations.
