Why Sri Lanka Declared Airports and Air Transport as Essential Services

December 28, 2025 at 12:00 AM•2 min read

Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared air transport and airports as essential public services under the Essential Public Services Act due to severe weather.

Key Points

1The declaration was issued by President Dissanayake on December 28, 2025, under the Essential Public Services Act, No. 61 of 1979.
2It covers the facilitation and maintenance of transport services by air, including airports, to ensure operational continuity.
3The move was prompted by severe adverse weather conditions, including flooding and landslides, which threatened critical infrastructure.
4The order legally prohibits any work stoppage or hindrance by essential airport and air transport personnel, ensuring continuous service.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has issued an extraordinary gazette notification in Sri Lanka. This order declares a wide range of services as essential public services. Crucially for the industry, this includes air transport and Sri Lanka aviation operations. The move was made under the powers granted by the Essential Public Services Act, No. 61 of 1979.

Regulatory Context and Rationale

The declaration was issued on December 28, 2025. It directly addresses severe adverse weather conditions currently affecting the country. Reports indicate the weather, including a cyclone, caused flooding and landslides. This threatened to impede or interrupt vital public services. Authorities aim to ensure the uninterrupted provision of critical services and maintain normal public life.

Direct Aviation Impact

The gazette specifically covers the facilitation and maintenance of transport services by Air. This includes airport maintenance facilitation, ports, and railways. By declaring air transport an essential public service, the government prevents work stoppages. This ensures that critical airport staff, including ground handlers and maintenance crews, must report for duty. Failure to comply with the order can result in severe legal penalties. This measure is vital for maintaining the safety standards set by bodies like ICAO.

Operational Continuity and Economic Lifeline

The aviation sector is considered a cornerstone of Sri Lanka's economy. It acts as the primary gateway for the nation’s tourism industry. Maintaining air transport essential service continuity is key to economic stability.

Other related services declared essential directly support aviation logistics:

Fuel supply distribution, including petroleum products and gas.
All services connected to the supply of electricity.

These provisions ensure aircraft can be fueled and air traffic control systems remain powered. This proactive step helps airlines, such as those flying Airbus and other major fleets, maintain schedules. It also supports the global industry, which IATA works to coordinate.

This declaration highlights the critical role of air transport infrastructure during national crises. It is a major focus in commercial aviation news and emergency planning. For more updates on global aviation developments, visit flying.flights.