Ministry Clarifies AASL Leadership Change 📈

The Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation has officially dismissed media reports linking the removal of former Airport and Aviation Services (AASL) Chairman, Rhasa Abeywickrama, to a dispute over a Buddhist prelate’s airport access. • Administrative Restructuring: The Ministry stated the leadership change was a strategic decision following a review on 21 January 2026. This move is part of broader shifts in the administrative structure of the aviation sector and institutional management needs. • The Permit Issue: Claims regarding a special permit for Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thero were clarified as "entirely unrelated." • A permit extension was requested on 29 December 2025. • Formal approval with "appropriate conditions" was issued by the former Chairman on 09 January 2026. • The Ministry emphasized there was no conflict between the Minister and the Chairman regarding this request. • New Protocol: Current AASL leadership has informed the Thero that future access to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) must be coordinated via official designated channels to ensure security standards are maintained. • National Context: These changes come at a critical time as the aviation sector faces structural reforms to improve efficiency and address institutional matters within the national transport framework.