Sunday Times E-Paper

He took our national carrier to soaring heights in the Gulf

Clifford Lazarus

For a fleeting period, Air Lanka (before its change to SriLankan) lit up the Oman sky, but it was all too brief, as was the life of the initiator of this success. We commemorate the first death anniversary of Rajeewa Jayaweera and recall with pride the achievements of this dynamic individual who left a significant imprint of Sri Lanka’s landscape among those living in the Gulf states.

As a journalist my association with Rajeewa spanned over a decade in the ’90s. He was a stoic and principled administrator who was forthright and considered in his views. As Manager of Air Lanka in Oman, he delivered exceptional service not only to our community in many ways but also to those travellers visiting our island. I was amazed at his dedication, determination and discipline. He did not waver in his search for perfection.

When Rajeewa arrived in Oman in the second half of the ’90s, Sri Lanka’s national airline was in the doldrums and was considered “just another airline” competing for a share of the Gulf’s travel market catering mainly to Sri Lanka’s workforce. Rajeewa’s vision was different. His desire was to raise the standard of the airline to be on par with the best, but he had to contend with the bureaucrats in Colombo - and he stepped up to the challenge. Not afraid to speak his mind and to take a firm position on issues that were important to him and for the airline, his persistence to lift the image of the airline succeeded, commencing with the shifting of the office premises after 13 long years to a prestigious and prominent location and displaying the airline’s logo for all to see.

This was followed with familiarization tours to our Emerald Isle for foreign journalists and travel agents. Rajeewa accompanied them mesmerizing them with his in-depth knowledge of Sri Lanka’s history and attractions to leave them in awe! Rajeewa was a true ambassador for the country just like his late father, Stanley Jayaweera, a career diplomat of repute.

In 1997, to coincide with 50 years of Independence, Rajeewa hosted Air Lanka’s first-ever “Top Agents Awards” ceremony at the Muscat Holiday Inn. The invitees were treated to an extravaganza of what Sri Lanka had to offer interspersed with a cultural show, traditional dancing, and authentic Sri Lankan cuisine courtesy of Jetwing’s finest chefs. Rajeewa’s positive charm instantly propelled the airline into the limelight, winning the hearts and minds of the Gulf ’s expatriate community resulting in Air Lanka becoming the preferred carrier of choice for their holidays.

As a disciplinarian he may not have endeared himself to many, but he stood tall with his direct and no nonsense approach which provided the basis for the airline’s success in the Sultanate.

After completing his term in Oman, Rajeewa was transferred to Madras and then Paris continuing his drive to lift the image of Sri Lanka’s national airline.

In later years Rajeewa bemoaned the plight of Sri Lanka’s national airline. He had a fierce loyalty to the airline and represented his country with pride-- he would have been an ideal member to serve on the SriLankan Airlines board with his vision and experience. Unfortunately, those with vested interests thought otherwise and the island nation’s loss was Qatar Airways gain.

For those who associated closely with Rajeewa, he will be remembered as a strict disciplinarian with a strong work ethic and an abundance of skill. He was an outstanding role model for young people in particular. He was a beautiful, kind and much-loved friend.

We are sad beyond words and extend our deepest condolences to Rajeewa’s family.

LETTERS/APPRECIATIONS

en-lk

2021-06-20T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-06-20T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://sundaytimes.pressreader.com/article/282402697341821

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