The Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation has denied claims that the resignation of Harsha Abeywickrama as Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka (Private) Ltd. (AASL) is connected to a letter involving Venerable Banagala Upathissa Thera.
In a statement, the ministry clarified that misinformation was being circulated regarding a request by Upathissa Thera, Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Society, for the extension of a special airport entry permit. The request, submitted on a Mahabodhi Society official letterhead on Dec. 29, 2025, sought an extension of a permit that expired on Dec. 31, 2025.
The letter had been forwarded to then-AASL Chairman Abeywickrama with a recommendation by the Minister to consider the request based on Upathissa Thera’s contributions to the international Buddhist community.
In response, Abeywickrama had issued a conditional approval letter on Jan. 9, 2026, subject to instructions by the Minister to take note of previous experiences in granting special permissions.
The ministry stressed that there was no disagreement between the minister and Abeywickrama over the issuance of the permit.
Abeywickrama resigned following a meeting with the minister on Jan. 21, 2026, during which upcoming structural changes within the organization were discussed, the ministry said.
The ministry stressed that his resignation was unrelated to the permit request and formed part of broader management restructuring plans. (Newswire)