Apsari Tillakaratne, wife of ex-cricketer Hashan Tillakaratne, may face legal action after appearing in an interview wearing the SriLankan Airlines uniform post-retirement. Airline officials call it an unauthorized use of company property.
Ms. Apsari Tillakaratne, wife of former Sri Lankan cricket captain Hashan Tillakaratne, has found herself at the center of a brewing controversy after appearing in an online interview wearing a SriLankan Airlines uniform, despite no longer being employed by the national carrier.
The interview, which has since gained traction on social media, featured Ms. Tillakaratne dressed in a SriLankan Airlines saree, symbolically associated with her past role as a flight attendant. Although she is not currently affiliated with the airline, her choice to wear the official attire during the interview has drawn sharp criticism from the airline’s management.
A senior official from SriLankan Airlines, speaking on the matter, clarified that uniforms and company-issued equipment must be returned upon resignation or retirement. “All employees, including cabin crew, are required to return their uniforms when leaving the airline,” the official stated.
The airline has reportedly been caught off guard by Ms. Tillakaratne’s appearance in the uniform and views the act as unauthorized representation of the brand. The official went on to say that SriLankan Airlines is now seeking legal advice and is considering formal legal action against Ms. Tillakaratne for what they describe as an illegal use of corporate property.
While Ms. Tillakaratne has not yet responded publicly, the matter has sparked a debate about branding rights, image control, and employee obligations post-tenure, especially for high-profile personalities affiliated with national institutions.
This incident, involving a former airline employee with strong public recognition, raises new questions about the boundaries of personal branding and professional representation, and how retired employees may or may not align themselves with their past organizations.
