Johanne Jayaratne appointed new Managing Director of SLTPB

Johanne Jayaratne has over 30 years of experience in the aviation, aerospace and biometric industries at a senior management level and has worked in many parts of the world at leading companies.

Prior to being appointed as the Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) by Minister of Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga, Jayaratne served as the Executive Director of Airport and Aviation Services Ltd., (AASL) the sole service provider for all airports, air navigation services, aviation security and fire and rescue services in Sri Lanka for 11 years. AASL manages and operates two international airports as well as domestic airports and employs over 3,800 personnel in 22 divisions.

Jayaratne served on the Tourism Advisory Board and was the Chairman of the AASL organising committees for the CHOGM, SAARC and IIFA conferences. During his tenure at AASL, Jayaratne actively collaborated with Sri Lanka Tourism in achieving the country’s tourism development strategies, and actively took part in promotional activities of the tourism industry. He was immersed in tourism for several years during a brief spell at Walker Tours prior to emigrating to the USA to attend university and to obtain his pilot licenses.

He is a founding partner of a biometric company in Southern CA and led the organisation successfully as its CEO for many years. He also held a Board Director position at DCS America that provided identification solutions to public sector organisations worldwide and is the holder of international patents in biometric technologies that are used extensively at international airports worldwide. 

In addition, Jayaratne was the Managing Director/CEO of an aerospace company in California, a manufacturer of aviation and aerospace related equipment for the Department of Defence, Boeing, Airbus and other major aviation organisations. He was also the Managing Partner of JSDJ, LLC.

Jayaratne has an academic background in aerospace engineering and business and is a professional pilot. As a Distinguished Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, UK (FRAeS), a Credentialed Aviation Management Professional (AvMP) granted by Stanford University, USA in collaboration with IATA (International Air Transport Association) and a member of the American Association of Aviation Executives (MAAAE), he brings a wealth of knowledge to the industry.

The Royal Aeronautical Society, the only Society of its kind in the world, with a history of over 150 years awarded its 2018 Global Silver Medal to Johanne Jayaratne in recognition of his innovations, achievements, excellence, and contributions to the advancement of aerospace art, science and engineering. He is the first and only Sri Lankan born individual to have achieved this prestigious distinction. 

He is also an avid sailor and served in the US Coast Guard Reserve/Auxiliary as an Officer for many years.