Former Aviation Chairman removed due to changes in administrative structure: Ministry clarifies

Colombo, Jan. 30 (Daily Mirror) - While refuting media reports over the removal of former Chairman of the Airports and Aviation Company, Hasha Abeywickrama, the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation said the letter sent to Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thera has no connection whatsoever to the removal of the former chairman from his position.

The Ministry said in a statement that Hasha Abeywickrama was removed following a discussion with him on January 21, 2026 as a decision had to be made regarding the position of Chairman due to several changes in the administrative structure of the Airports and Aviation Company and the need for several other matters.

The statement further said that a false news is circulating within some media that the reason for the removal of the former Chairman was based on a letter from Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thera, President of the Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Society, requesting an extension of a special permit obtained to enter the airport terminal.

It said in a letter dated December 29, 2025 from Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thera, addressed to the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation on the letterhead of the Sri Lanka Maha Bodhi Society, he had requested that the special permission to enter the airport terminal, which had been granted to him during previous periods, be extended as it expires on December 31, 2025.

The Minister has made a note in the same letter to extend the special permit to enter the airport terminal from December 31, 2025 to the next year, considering the international religious activities of Venerable Banagala Thera, and has directed the former Chairman for further action.

The Minister has given instructions to issue a letter of permission with appropriate conditions, considering the information provided by the former Chairman regarding certain previous experiences regarding the issuing of special permits.

In accordance with these instructions, the former chairman has taken steps to send a letter to Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thera on January 9, 2026.