What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to provide world-class training for our next generation of aviation professionals. With the South Asian aviation market poised for significant growth, it’s crucial that we are ready to meet the industry’s evolving demands. Preparing our staff to take on the challenge gives me immense satisfaction, as I know that our efforts have a lasting impact on the region’s aviation landscape.
Sri Lanka has faced significant economic turbulence in recent years and economic instability remains the major hurdle. Fluctuating exchange rates and persistent inflation have driven up the cost of imports and eroded consumer purchasing power, placing pressure on profit margins and making strategic planning increasingly difficult. Businesses are facing an environment where operational costs are unpredictable, complicating investment decisions and impacting long-term growth.
The exodus of talent has made it difficult for businesses to retain the right expertise
The country also has a substantial brain drain as many skilled professionals seek better career prospects abroad. This exodus of talent has made it difficult for businesses to retain or attract the right expertise, hampering productivity and forcing companies to invest more in recruitment and training.
I developed my interest in accountancy when I was at school, so chose the commerce subjects. I began my career as an intern at Unilever Sri Lanka, where I gained invaluable experience, before becoming a treasury executive at John Keells Holdings, one of Sri Lanka’s most diversified conglomerates, where I honed my skills in financial management.
My career then took me to SriLankan Airlines, in the role of finance manager. With my promotions over 11 years I have grown, and I currently serve as the deputy general manager at the SriLankan Aviation College, the airline’s specialised training arm, where I oversee the college’s operations as a strategic business unit.
I like this quote: ‘To stay in the same place you need to run faster’
I stepped out of my comfort zone when I went from a purely technical accounting role to my current position. For years, I had been focused primarily on finance-related responsibilities and ensuring compliance; however, as deputy general manager at the SriLankan Aviation College I took on responsibility for the overall divisional performance.
I like this quote, also known as the Red Queen Hypothesis, from Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass: ‘To stay in the same place you need to run faster’. The Red Queen tells Alice this is because the world is shifting so quickly; the quote is true in today’s real world, too.
My biggest achievement was being a part of a major business at an early stage in my career. Coming top in my bachelor’s degree and being an ACCA prize winner are also career highlights.
I would introduce legislation to ensure inclusive education for all children
If I had law-making powers, I would introduce legislation to ensure inclusive education for all children. It would include provisions for tailored resources and teacher training to accommodate everyone’s needs, so all children can reach their full potential.
If I hadn’t gone into finance, I would have continued working in my father’s jewellery and motor parts businesses, and then developed myself as a businessman.
In my spare time I enjoy following Sri Lanka’s national cricket team and watching rugby, especially the New Zealand All Blacks team. I also love travelling to new destinations. For relaxation, I watch films and TV mini-series, with thrillers being my favourites.
