Sri Lanka’s three key aviation institutions are set for a complete change in leadership within less than two years, after the National People’s Power (NPP) Government appointed new chairmen to the country’s three main aviation organizations in late 2024.
Following the change of government, Sunil Jayarathna was appointed Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) on 4 November 2024, while Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) Harsha Abeywickrama was appointed Chairman of Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) on 9 October 2024. On the same date, Sarath Ganegoda was appointed Chairman of SriLankan Airlines.
However, all three appointments have now come to an end or are nearing their conclusion, resulting in a major leadership reshuffle across Sri Lanka’s aviation sector.
Air Chief Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama resigned as Chairman of AASL on 28 January 2026. Following his departure, Ministry Secretary W.W.S. Mangala was appointed Acting Chairman to oversee the organization. A new chairman is now expected to take over the leadership of AASL from 1 September 2026.
At SriLankan Airlines, Sarath Ganegoda resigned as Chairman of both SriLankan Airlines and SriLankan Catering, effective 31 March 2026. A.K.D.D. Dimal Arandara initially served as Acting Chairman, before being appointed Chairman of both entities in June 2026.
The final change will take place at the Civil Aviation Authority. Sunil Jayarathna is due to leave the chairmanship on 24 August 2026, with Col. (Retd.) Ranjith Rajasinghe set to assume duties as the new Chairman from 25 August 2026.
With these changes, all three organizations CAASL, AASL and SriLankan Airlines will have new leadership compared with the chairmen appointed by the NPP Government in 2024.
The rapid turnover means that within less than two years, the leadership team originally appointed to oversee Sri Lanka’s civil aviation regulator, airport operator and national carrier has been almost entirely replaced, marking a significant shift in the leadership of the country’s aviation sector.
