Sri Lanka Association of Airline Representatives (SLAAR) held its 30th Annual General Meeting on June 21, 2023, at the Taj Samudra. Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, the Director of Air Transport & Economic Regulation of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka was the Chief Guest at this milestone event. The event was graced by Airline representatives and Industry partners.
SLAAR was founded in 1993, to be the voice of the Airline General Sales Agencies (GSA) of Sri Lanka. The founding President of the Association in 1993 was Mr. Eric Gauder. The Association has always stepped up in all industry-related affairs to ensure that the GSA’s of Sri Lanka, operates with ease ensuring that the country continues to attract many international airlines.
Mr. Srimath Fernando was re-elected as the Chairman of the Association for the year of 2023/24 together with the appointment of the new office bearers for the same period.
In his speech as the Chairman of SLAAR, Mr. Srimath Fernando mentioned the Association’s notable achievements, industry activities and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. He also highlighted the Government’s impactful programs aimed at enhancing industry and trade.
The Chief Guest Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa shared his experience with SLAAR throughout the years and emphasized the unwavering determination of aviators and expressed that the sky is not the limit for aviators as an aviator never gives up.
Ms. Parveen Dassenaike, one of the Past Chairpersons of SLAAR, also addressed the meeting, reflecting on the Association’s humble beginnings and its present growth, boasting a robust network of leading GSA partners from both Passenger & Cargo Airlines.
The newly elected office bearers are as follows:
Standing (from Left to Right): Ms. Sunethra Block, Mr. Gerard Victoria, Ms. Parveen Dassenaike, Mr. Shaminda Fernando, Mr. Ravi Widyalankara, Ms. Dushy Jayaweera, Mr. Eustace Silva, Mr. Santhush Udumalagala, Ms. Thanuja Lankathilake.
Sitting (from Left to Right): Mr. Vinodh Dharmarajah, Ms. Dilanka Herath, Ms. Sudeshinie Jayawardena (Secretary), Mr. Dumindu Amarathunge (Deputy Chairman), Mr. Srimath Fernando (Chairman), Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Ms. Praharshini Bolling (Treasurer), Mr. Lal Dimantha, Mr. Sajith Amarasekara, Mr. Mushin Kitchilan. Not present – Mr. Kumudu Jayalath