MINISTRY ORDERS IMMEDIATE MOVE-OUT
Fresh allegations have exploded around the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, placing its Chairman Sunil Jayaratne at the center of a sensational misuse-of-office row. Sources say the Ministry of Aviation ordered Jayaratne to vacate an official residence that was never allocated to him, but to the CAASL Director General.
LOVE NEST MEANT FOR THE DG
The apartment in question was reserved for the Director General of the CAASL. Instead, it is alleged, the Chairman used it as a private bolt-hole, entertaining a woman reportedly connected to the Authority. Insiders say the residence functioned as a discreet “off-books” pad, raising eyebrows across the sector.
HOW DID HE GET THE KEYS?
A storm of questions surrounds how Jayaratne obtained access in the first place. It is believed the former Director General handed over the keys to the Chairman while exiting, rather than returning them to the proper authorities as required. The lapse doesn’t end there: the CAASL’s Human Resources division is also under fire for failing to retrieve the keys or complete a formal clearance process.
CAUGHT ON CAMERA: DRIVERS, CCTV & A TIP-OFF
The scandal reportedly came to light after drivers in the area noticed repeated movements involving the Chairman and a woman. Their suspicions were then backed by nearby CCTV footage captured by accommodation security, who escalated the matter to the Ministry triggering swift intervention and the eviction order.
RULES BROKEN, ETHICS SHREDDED
Critics say multiple red lines were crossed: illegal occupation of state property, personal use of an official residence, and entertaining guests in premises the Chairman was not authorised to occupy. The claims have fuelled outrage within aviation circles, where regulatory integrity is paramount.
POLITICAL FALLOUT FOR NPP
The timing could not be worse for the ruling National People’s Power government, already under pressure over controversial appointments. Voters who backed promises of clean governance are increasingly restless.
DEJA VU AT AVIATION HQ
The affair follows the recent exit of Harsha Abeywickrema, former Chairman of the Airport and Aviation Authority, officially framed as a resignation, but widely believed to be forced. Together, the episodes have intensified scrutiny of how top aviation posts are filled and policed.
QUESTIONS THAT WON’T GO AWAY
Who authorized access to a DG’s residence? Why weren’t keys retrieved? Who else knew and stayed silent? And will accountability extend beyond quiet removals?
For a government already battling a credibility crunch, this sky-high scandal threatens further turbulence.
