Katunayake, May 30, 2025 — A 49-year-old Sri Lankan ship captain has been arrested at Katunayake International Airport for allegedly sexually harassing a South African Emirates flight attendant during a flight from Dubai to Colombo.
The incident, which occurred on May 27, involved a 39-year-old female crew member who promptly alerted the pilot after being harassed mid-air by the visibly intoxicated passenger. Upon landing at Katunayake, the suspect was immediately taken into custody by the airport security team and local police.
Authorities confirmed that the man, a professional maritime captain, was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. Following his arrest, he was examined by the Negombo Judicial Medical Officer, who officially verified his intoxicated state.
The suspect is expected to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today, as investigations continue under laws governing in-flight misconduct and sexual harassment.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with calls for stricter enforcement of air safety and passenger behavior laws.
