Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Bimal Ratnayake made an emotional statement on the floor, declaring that he was brought to tears witnessing the warm public reception to SriLankan Airlines’ newly leased Airbus aircraft. He passionately defended the government’s decision to acquire the 14-year-old wide-body plane, claiming it marked a turning point for the national carrier, which just months ago was considered unsalvageable.
“Six months ago, SriLankan Airlines was a bankrupt airline that no one wanted to buy or even touch,” Ratnayake said. “But within that short time, with hard work and commitment, we’ve turned things around. We’ve given SriLankan a second chance.”
The minister was particularly moved by the social media response, which he described as overwhelmingly positive. “I saw how people reacted. The joy, the national pride they loved seeing that aircraft arrive. And I cried,” he confessed.
Ratnayake acknowledged that some critics had questioned the value of leasing a 14-year-old aircraft. But he argued that the acquisition was both necessary and wise, given global shortages and industry constraints. “People don’t walk into a store and buy a bicycle tire just like that. These planes are leased and paid for in installments. We did what had to be done.”
He also hit back at detractors, saying, “There will always be people and media outlets who see the bad in everything. They cannot accept that this government is doing something good for the country.”
Ratnayake emphasized the symbolic value of the acquisition: “In other countries, airlines buy 10 or 20 aircraft at once. We bought one. Just one. But the reaction from the Sri Lankan people was immense. That tells you how much they care. That’s why we’re proud. That’s why this matters.”
The minister’s remarks have struck a chord with many, portraying the aircraft not merely as a tool of transport, but as a symbol of national revival and a moment of hope for a struggling industry.
