A major leadership shake-up is on the horizon as the government eyes an experienced global aviation figure to steer SriLankan Airlines amid shifting tourism and geopolitical pressures.
The government is reportedly preparing to appoint a new chairman for SriLankan Airlines following the Sinhala and Hindu New Year, signaling a key leadership transition for the national carrier.
According to reliable industry sources, strong attention is now focused on the possible appointment of Peter Hill, a seasoned aviation expert with extensive international experience.
Earlier discussions had indicated that Tourism Board Chairman Buddhika Hevawasam was likely to be appointed to the role, but it now appears that the government has reconsidered that decision.
Sources suggest that authorities have opted to retain the current leadership within the tourism sector to ensure stability, especially as Sri Lanka faces a decline in tourist arrivals linked to ongoing unrest in the Middle East.
Peter Hill, currently 83 years old, brings decades of experience in global aviation and airline management, making him a prominent candidate for the position.
He has previously held senior roles with several airlines in the Gulf region, as well as with British Airways and Angola Airlines, also known as TAAG.
Between 1998 and 2008, Hill served as the Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines during the period when the airline was managed by Emirates.
More recently, he worked as Vice President of Passenger Operations at FitsAir, a private airline operating in Sri Lanka, further strengthening his local industry connections.
If appointed, Hill would become the first foreign national to be politically appointed as chairman of SriLankan Airlines, marking a significant shift in governance strategy.
Although the chairman appointment was initially expected to be finalized on the 10th, the decision has reportedly been postponed until after the New Year due to issues raised at the highest levels.
Following the appointment of the chairman, attention is expected to shift toward selecting a new Chief Executive Officer to lead the airline’s operational strategy.
Unofficial reports indicate that a Sri Lankan professional currently working as an investment banker is being considered for the CEO role, reflecting a broader restructuring effort.
It is also believed that recent reports regarding SriLankan Airlines’ upcoming five year strategic plan, published on the Daily News platform, are closely linked to these anticipated leadership changes.
