Editor’s note: This story was updated on 26th of August 2026
Fly Southern aircraft involved in the Ratmalana training accident is a Cessna 152 operated through Redbird Aviation Sri Lanka’s ATO registration.
The Fly Southern aircraft involved in yesterday’s training accident at Ratmalana Airport has been identified as a Cessna 152 operated through the company’s flight training setup.
The aircraft was involved in an accident while landing at Ratmalana Airport on August 25.
Following the incident, the pilot was admitted to Kalubowila Hospital for medical examinations.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka has reportedly opened an investigation into the accident.
According to the report, the CAA sent a four-member investigation team to Ratmalana Airport following the incident.
The team included an inspector, an air operations inspector and a medical officer.
Fly Southern Aircraft Operated Through Redbird ATO
The report states that Fly Southern’s flight training school operates under an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) registration obtained from the CAA by Redbird Aviation Sri Lanka.
Redbird Aviation was founded by veteran Sri Lankan pilot Dulip de Alwis.
The company was later acquired by Redbird Aviation in India, owned by Indian national Captain Karan Mann.
At that stage, the operation reportedly came under Indian management.
The company was subsequently acquired by Fly Southern, according to the report.
Fly Southern is owned by Samitha Abeygunawardena.
The latest accident has therefore drawn attention not only to the circumstances surrounding the landing but also to the ownership and operational structure behind the training organisation.
The CAA investigation is now expected to examine the incident and determine the factors that led to the accident.
