Sri Lanka's Aviation Sector Faces Airline Expansion Criticism and Regulatory Overhaul

Sri Lankan Airlines is drawing sharp criticism for an ambitious fleet and route expansion programme that analysts say prioritises prestige over fiscal prudence. Observers highlight rapidly rising maintenance costs for the ageing mixed fleet and note that the carrier has operated without a permanent chief executive officer, raising concerns about strategic oversight as the country works to recover from a historic financial crisis.

At the same time, the Sri Lankan government says it is close to resolving two‑decade‑old regulatory bottlenecks in the domestic aviation sector. A high‑level review chaired by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyaconta reported that about 90 % of longstanding operational and administrative challenges have been addressed through coordinated action by the Ministry of Defence and other agencies. The reforms aim to streamline approvals, improve airspace management and attract private investment, and include a proposal for a dedicated helicopter landing facility in Colombo Port City.