SriLankan Airlines celebrates women in aviation on Women’s Day with an all-female crew flight 

On International Women’s Day, SriLankan Airlines highlighted the incredible contributions of its female crew members, showcasing their passion, determination, and resilience in an industry where excellence and adaptability are paramount. For the women of SriLankan Airlines, flying is more than a job – it's a dynamic and fulfilling experience that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, all while breaking barriers in a male-dominated field.
 
Captain Madini Wijesinghe, who has been in the skies for 17 years, spoke with palpable enthusiasm about the adrenaline rush and excitement that comes with each flight. "It’s a dynamic environment, and it’s always changing," she said. "Everything changes all the time, and it’s always a challenge. I just enjoy doing it. You can never get enough of this job!" Captain Wijesinghe emphasized that the aviation industry offers equal opportunities, noting that her experience has never been defined by gender. "There is no gender bias here. It’s the same for all of us on each flight," she explained. "I’ve had the privilege of flying with my husband, who is also a captain, and we’ve shared the cockpit together."
 
While Captain Wijesinghe relishes the thrill of flying, she also acknowledges the unique challenges women face. "As women, it is definitely more challenging for us—not the job itself, but finding a balance between work life and private life," she said. "Being a mother adds another layer of complexity. But I take it as it comes. I’m fortunate to have a strong support system from the women at home who help me stay focused and perform my duties smoothly."
 
In her view, the real heroes are not just the women pilots, but those who support them behind the scenes. "There are a lot of women back home supporting me, and I think they should be celebrated," she added. "Without them, it would be much more difficult to juggle both professional and personal responsibilities."
 
First Officer Ayodya Ranasinghe, who also works for SriLankan Airlines, expressed her excitement for traveling around the world and representing her country. "I’m like an ambassador, taking my flag to the world," she said with pride. Ranasinghe encouraged young women to dream big and believe in themselves. "Set your goals high. We can have it all! Dreams do come true," she said, emphasizing the importance of hard work and determination in achieving one’s goals.
 
Deepal Perera, Manager of Corporate Communications at SriLankan Airlines, shared that the airline is proud to highlight the remarkable women within its ranks. "International Women’s Day is a global event, and as an international airline, we want to showcase the dedication and hard work of our female crew members," he said. "We believe in equality and value the contributions of both men and women in our operations. Our women are integral to our success, and the world should know what they can achieve."
 
For Purser Roshani Dissanayake, leadership is about more than managing passengers—it’s about supporting her team and ensuring safety. "Every day is different. We meet new people with different needs, and we must adapt quickly," she explained. "It’s a challenging yet rewarding job, and I’m privileged to work with such a dedicated and committed team. We treat our passengers like family, and it’s an honour to receive compliments from them, saying that flying with us feels like coming home."
"Every flight is unique, but this one stands out as especially memorable, given that all the crew members are female and it's International Women’s Day," said Cabin Services’ Supervisor Chathuri Wickramasinghe. "I feel privileged to work with such an incredible team, and together, we strive to provide the best service to our passengers with warm hearts."

For Flight Attendant Keshia Karunaratne, the chance to travel the world is one of the highlights of her job. "Traveling around the world is a fantastic experience, and it’s a refreshing change," she shared. "What makes it even more special is doing it with such beautiful, hardworking women, especially on a day like today."

Flight Attendant Natasha Perera shared a similar view, describing the joy of experiencing different cultures as one of the greatest rewards of her role. "Traveling the world and immersing myself in diverse cultures is truly fulfilling, and meeting new people and offering them Sri Lankan-style hospitality is an incredibly humbling experience," she said with a smile.

Piumi Ranawaka, another Flight Attendant, expressed her love for exploring new countries and their unique cultures. "The diversity we encounter when visiting different countries is extraordinary," she said. "While today is special for us, being a woman in such a responsible role, every day feels like our day."

At SriLankan Airlines, women are not just flying high—they’re leading the way. Whether it’s managing a cockpit or caring for passengers, these women embody strength, resilience, and dedication. As the airline celebrates International Women’s Day, it’s clear that for these women, the sky is the limit, and they’re soaring far beyond it.