Final approach: The Captain’s journey

Captain Shiran Sylva, a veteran pilot who served SriLankan Airlines for 32 years, bid farewell to his career on June 6.   

The Last Flight

Captain Shiran Sylva shared his experience and knowledge with school children who were interested in aviation services. 

Veteran Captain Shiran Sylva received a heartfelt water salute as he bid a warm goodbye to the skies after 32 years with SriLankan Airlines

Captain Sylva begins his well-earned retirement, he leaves behind a lifetime of achievements not just as a pilot, but as an actor, singer, teacher, and friend to many

By T.K.G. Kapila 

Passengers on SriLankan Airlines flight UL-122 received a touching surprise on Monday as Captain Shiran Sylva announced his retirement mid-flight. Following 32 years of dedicated service, Captain Sylva’s final landing at BIA was honoured with a ceremonial water salute, a “shower of affection” marking a beloved pilot’s last journey in the skies.

Passengers on SriLankan Airlines flight UL-122, flying in from Chennai, were treated to a special moment as the plane began its descent to the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in the sunny afternoon on Friday, June 06.   
“You’ll see a big splash of water from your windows. Don’t be afraid it’s a tribute to me. I am retiring from serving as a pilot of SriLankan Airlines,” announced Senior Pilot Captain Shiran Sylva over the intercom.   
The ceremonial water salute was given to Captain Sylva on his final flight as Captain after 32 years of service.   
During this tradition, fire trucks position themselves on either side of a taxiway or runway and spray coordinated arcs of water over the aircraft as it taxis beneath, creating a striking archway.   
The water salute is also referred to as a “shower of affection,” and its origins are believed to be linked to similar maritime traditions where fireboats would spray water to welcome or bid farewell to ships.   
This gesture is used to honour significant occasions such as the inaugural or final flight of an airline at an airport, the retirement of a senior pilot, or other notable milestones in aviation.   
It was a touching surprise for the passengers, who soon witnessed a beautiful tradition in the aviation world-a water salute. As the aircraft taxied on the runway, two fire trucks sprayed arcs of water over the aircraft, a special send-off to honour a pilot’s final flight. 

 
A life in the skies

Captain Shiran Sylva’s journey in aviation is both inspiring and heartfelt. Born into a family connected to the skies, it seemed natural that he too would one day fly.   
His father, Sidney Sylva, first worked as an aircraft engineer for the Royal Air Force and later for British Airways. When the then Air Lanka (now SriLankan Airlines) was launched, Sidney worked alongside his son, as Shiran started his own career as a flight engineer.   
But young Shiran dreamed of being in the pilot’s seat. Determined to achieve it, he went to the United States at his own expense to train as a pilot.   
After completing his training, he returned to Sri Lanka, joined SriLankan Airlines, and spent decades flying passengers safely across the world. Along the way, he also helped train and guide new pilots, sharing his knowledge and love for aviation.   

A memorable final flight

It was fitting that Captain Sylva’s last flight was on a very special aircraft an Airbus A330-300, the first plane ever purchased by SriLankan Airlines and flown from France to Sri Lanka many years ago.   
After landing, as Captain Sylva stepped off the aircraft for the final time, he placed his luggage down and bowed to the plane. It was a simple, sincere moment that moved everyone watching, with photos and videos soon spreading online, earning admiration both in Sri Lanka and abroad.   
Waiting to greet him were officials from Airport and Aviation Services Ltd, SriLankan Airlines, the Civil Aviation Authority, and the Sri Lanka Pilots’ Association, all there to thank him for his years of dedication.   

A man of many talents

Captain Shiran Sylva hasn’t been just a pilot. He had many passions. Over the years, he appeared in several popular Sri Lankan films like Asai Man Piyabanna, Suwada Athundu Jeevitha.   
TV audiences also remember him from beloved teledramas such as Paba, Ama, Bus Eke Iskole, and Sidhu.   
He’s also a talented singer, often performing at New Year events for Sri Lankan communities in countries like Germany, England, and Nepal. His wife, Ruvina, a gifted lyricist, has written over 24 popular songs that have been performed by well-known local artists.   
Even with his busy flying career, Sylva found time to give lectures and talks, encouraging young people to explore careers in aviation and helping the public understand more about the industry he loved.   

A fitting farewell

Now, as Captain Sylva begins his well-earned retirement, he leaves behind a lifetime of achievements not just as a pilot, but as an actor, singer, teacher, and friend to many.   
For him, that final water salute wasn’t just a goodbye it was a celebration of a life spent doing what he loved.   
From piloting aircraft to acting on screen, from teaching students to singing on stage, Captain Shiran Sylva has shown that when you follow your passions, the sky is never the limit.