False Social Media Claims Target Minister Bimal Rathnayake, Aviation Authority Says
Claims circulating on social media alleging that a special aircraft was dispatched to Rome to bring back a Sri Lankan minister have been categorically rejected by aviation authorities, who described the reports as entirely false and politically motivated.
According to an official statement issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, reports suggesting that a SriLankan Airlines flight—UL1213—was specially sent to Rome to bring back Minister Bimal Rathnayake are “completely untrue.”
The authority clarified that the minister referenced in the social media allegations had already returned to Sri Lanka several days earlier and that the flight in question had no connection whatsoever with transporting a government official.
Officials explained that the flight was organised in response to travel disruptions affecting passengers who had planned journeys to Europe and beyond, largely due to the unstable situation currently affecting parts of the Middle East region.
Given the difficulties faced by travellers, the Sri Lankan government intervened to facilitate transport arrangements. As a result, the aircraft was dispatched to Rome on March 9 specifically to assist passengers who had previously booked tickets for direct travel to the Italian capital.
The aviation authority warned that the spread of such unfounded claims represents a form of political mudslinging designed to damage both public institutions and the country’s aviation sector.
In its statement, the authority also announced that legal action may be taken against individuals responsible for spreading malicious and baseless allegations targeting the institution and its Director General.
Officials stressed that misinformation of this nature risks undermining the reputation of Sri Lanka’s aviation industry, which plays a vital role in supporting the national economy and tourism sector.
The authority further stated that at a time when the government is working to strengthen the aviation industry while maintaining international safety and operational standards, attempts to mislead the public through false narratives are strongly condemned.