By: Staff Writer
August 06, Colombo (LNW): A prolonged leadership vacuum at SriLankan Airlines has developed into a major governance crisis, with a widening political dispute inside the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation delaying the appointment of an interim chief executive officer and raising concerns over the future direction of the national carrier.
Official sources and senior airline officials have confirmed that a deep policy disagreement between Cabinet Minister Anura Karunathilake and Deputy Minister Janitha Kodithuwakku has stalled the appointment process, leaving SriLankan Airlines without permanent executive leadership for nearly a year following the departure of former CEO Richard Nuttall.
The airline’s board had attempted to resolve the leadership gap by selecting an interim CEO from within the organisation. The final selection process reportedly narrowed down to two senior officials Head of Commercial and Head of Information Technology Chamara Perera.
However, sources said Minister Karunathilake moved to appoint Chamara Perera as interim CEO without securing prior agreement from Deputy Minister Kodithuwakku. The decision triggered opposition from the deputy minister, who has refused to endorse the appointment until concerns regarding transparency and accountability are addressed.
The dispute has intensified following whistleblower complaints concerning the airline’s IT division. A formal grievance submitted to state authorities alleged serious management failures under Chamara Perera’s leadership, including concerns over procurement processes, operational vulnerabilities and damage to the organisation’s professional culture.
The allegations have created additional pressure on the government to conduct an independent investigation before approving any senior appointment involving the IT division. Critics argue that promoting an official facing unresolved allegations could expose a financially struggling state enterprise to further risks.
Minister Karunathilake has defended the need for swift internal decision-making, pointing to SriLankan Airlines’ financial challenges and historical losses. He previously highlighted that the airline had suffered significant costs due to poor negotiations and contract decisions, including penalties amounting to millions of dollars.
Meanwhile, trade unions aligned with the National People’s Power movement have raised objections over the appointment process, claiming they were excluded from discussions. Union representatives have warned of possible industrial action if political pressure overrides proper procedures.
The government is also facing pressure to conclude the search for a permanent CEO. The international recruitment process attracted 210 applications, with several aviation and corporate experts shortlisted. Candidates include Acting CEO Yasantha Dissanayake, aviation specialists Captains Navin De Silva, Anupama Pathirana and Themiya Abeywickrama, former Air Niugini CEO Wasantha Kumarasiri, financial expert Sanjana Fernando, and international aviation professionals Paul Carroll and Captain George Kamal.
Former Emirates-era CEO Peter Hill was also approached but declined due to other regional airline commitments.
As SriLankan Airlines continues carrying a debt burden of approximately Rs. 596 billion, the leadership dispute has become a critical test of the government’s ability to balance political influence, corporate governance and the survival of the national carrier.