Capt. Ratnayake marks a ‘first’ in local aviation

First Sri Lankan for IATA

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Capt. Milinda Ratnayake

Capt. Milinda Ratnayake made history recently when he became the first Sri Lankan to be offered a role at the Flight Operations Group at the International Air Transport Association. 

In this capacity, he will participate on matters regarding global flight operations and global air traffic management. He will also look into training as well as the operational aspects of meteorology and the environment. 

As the longest standing Flight Operations Manager at Sri Lankan Airlines, with a 43 year career in flying, Capt. Ratnayake is eager to take on this new role as Sri Lanka’s representative, where he could impart his knowledge and invaluable experience to international aviation.

Capt. Ratnayake has had the privilege of being trained by Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Qantas Airlines, Aerlingus and the Oxford Flying School UK. 

He commenced his career in aviation in 1972 obtaining his Commercial Pilot’s License. Thereafter he went onto becoming a First Officer in 1979. After becoming the Chief Pilot on the Airbus A330 and A340, Capt. Ratnayake was appointed Senior Manager Flight Operations in 1995 where he implemented ISO standards for the Flight Operations Department, successfully passing all IATA audits during his manager tenure.

In 2008, he took on the role of Head of Service Delivery overlooking 3000 staff at Sri Lankan Airlines that included the Cabin Crew, Ground Handling and Security. Here he improved business efficiency of ground handling offices globally by right-sizing and reducing cost and capital expenditure. 

Captain Ratnayake looks forward to his new post, whilst being confident of flying the Sri Lankan flag high.