Gihan Karunaratne – Dip MOM (CIM-UK) has announced his retirement from Oman Air after serving 18 years with the airline, 11 years of which as the Country Manager – Sri Lanka & Maldives.

Over his tenure, Gihan has been instrumental in Oman Air’s success as a result of the wealth of experience and knowledge he brought to the role.

He has worked for 43 years in the Tourism, Travel and Aviation industries starting with Aitken Spence Travels, Thomas Cook Group (Colombo & Dubai), Emirates Group (Dubai & Oman) and Oman Air (Oman, Bangladesh, Maldives & Sri Lanka) while also working in international markets such as Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt & Jordan.

Gihan was educated at Ananda College Colombo and was an outstanding sportsman - representing the school in Cricket, Tennis and Rugby. He also represented Sri Lankan Schools in Cricket and Rugby and played in the premier club competitions for these sports.

Presently, he serves in the capacity of Treasurer for the Board of Airline Representatives where he has been an active member in the subcommittee involved in post Covid-19 activities impacting the industry. With his passion for sports, he is also a member of the Sri Lankan Rugby Executive Committee.

Gihan has an outstanding reputation in the Aviation Industry in Sri Lanka for always being friendly, approachable and helpful in his role as Country Manager, Oman Air.