Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Sri Lankan Airlines aims for $1 billion in revenue with a new Colombo to Miami route as part of Dharmadasa’s strategic overhaul.

Ex-Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, Upul Dharmadasa, believes Sri Lankan Airlines can achieve a revenue milestone of US $1 billion within three months with effective leadership and strategic policies.

In a discussion with Mirror Business, Dharmadasa outlined a detailed revival strategy for the national airline, which is currently facing challenges. His strategy includes rehiring talented aviation professionals who have left the country, expanding to new international destinations, and adopting digital innovations to drive efficiency and increase revenue.

Dharmadasa pointed out that expanding routes and better utilizing assets would be particularly beneficial. He sees a significant opportunity in catering to the global Sri Lankan diaspora, especially by introducing flights to less-served North American regions. He proposed starting a route from Miami (MIA) to Colombo (CMB) that would connect Caribbean and Sri Lankan expatriates in the United States.

On the policy front, Dharmadasa suggested adopting a mandate similar to the U.S.’s Fly America Act, which would require Sri Lankan government officials, including diplomats, to use the national airline for official travel. He criticized the liberal granting of fifth freedom rights to foreign carriers, particularly those from the Middle East, which he claimed cost Sri Lankan Airlines roughly US $500 million on the Colombo-Male route in 2024.

Dharmadasa also highlighted the need for consistent policies and stable leadership to avoid disrupting the airline’s long-term strategy execution.

He advocates for adopting the New Distribution Capability (NDC), a digital framework that allows airlines to sell tickets directly, bypassing traditional third-party booking systems. Additionally, Dharmadasa recommended refining the airline’s payment systems to reduce losses due to currency exchange and supported the government’s decision to manage the airline’s legacy debts.

Dharmadasa’s background includes assuming leadership of the CAA in 2020 amidst a global aviation crisis. He led successful efforts to repatriate 138,000 Sri Lankans during the pandemic. With over 45 years in aviation and hospitality, beginning his career at Air Ceylon in 1975, Dharmadasa has also been instrumental in promoting Sri Lanka as a travel destination throughout the United States.