In celebration of World Children’s Day on 1 October, SriLankan Airlines facilitated the flight experience for a special programme organised by Derana TV and Unilever, named ‘Derana – Signal Ahasin Gamanak’ for children selected through a creative competition from every province across Sri Lanka. Through this unique initiative, 250 youngsters aged 12 to 15 were gifted the opportunity to enjoy a nearly two-hour flight aboard a SriLankan Airlines Airbus A330-300, with breath-taking views of Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes from the sky. For many, it was their first flying experience.

The children were warmly welcomed at Bandaranaike International Airport and taken on a guided tour by SriLankan Airlines’ Ground Handling team and Airport and Aviation Services (AASL), where they experienced the full international travel process, from check-in to boarding, before taking off to the skies with SriLankan Airlines.

The flight, which departed from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), offered a bird’s-eye view of some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks, including the coastal belt of Colombo, Galle, Adam’s Peak, Pidurutalagala, Sigiriya, Mullaitivu, Delft Island, Anuradhapura, and Negombo, before returning to the airport. The children’s experience was captured and will be broadcast by Derana TV through a one-hour program on 6 October.

Deepal Perera, Manager of Corporate Communications at SriLankan Airlines, said, “At SriLankan Airlines, we believe that the sky should never be the limit to a child’s dreams. It was a privilege to partner with Derana and Signal on this extraordinary initiative, giving children from every corner of our island the chance to experience the wonder of flight on International Children’s Day. For many, it was their very first time in the air. We are glad to have been part of a journey that may inspire future aviators, explorers, and leaders of tomorrow.”

Laksiri Wickramage, Deputy Chairman and CEO of Derana, added, “I am deeply grateful to our project partners Signal, SriLankan Airlines, and Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) for helping make this flight a reality. Congratulations to all the children who got to be a part of this unique experience. To every child who took part in our competition, thank you – never give up on your dreams and always reach for the stars.”

Treshan De Zoysa, Brand manager – Signal stated, “As Signal, our purpose has always been to protect the Sri Lankan smile. On this Children’s Day, we are proud to partner with Derana and SriLankan Airlines to give children a memorable experience of seeing the beauty of our country from the skies — inspiring them to dream bigger and smile brighter for the future.”

SriLankan Airlines is proud to have played a role in this heartfelt programme organised by Derana and Unilever, giving children the joy of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see their beautiful homeland from above, while creating lasting memories and inspiring big dreams in young minds.