A private jet for the owner of Ratna Rice

It is reported that Mr. Mithrapala Lankeshwara, the owner of Rathna Group of Companies (Rathna Rice), a leading name in Sri Lanka's agribusiness sector, is preparing to purchase a private jet with the aim of expanding his business operations. This small jet, with 6 or 7 seats, is valued at billions of rupees and is primarily planned to be used for his personal travel and commercial needs.

Mr. Lankeshwara points out that the purchase of a jet is not merely for luxury purposes, emphasizing that it can save valuable time spent by business executives on air travel. He has stated that, in addition to his own use, he is prepared to make this aircraft available to other business executives who wish to facilitate their travel.

As a preliminary step regarding these purchases and business expansions, Mr. Lankeshwara and his team recently participated in the Singapore Airshow. During the event, discussions were held with Bell Helicopters with the aim of further developing domestic commercial operations, and Bell 505 type helicopters were inspected.

Special attention was paid to the technical performance of these helicopters and their suitability for the prevailing conditions in Sri Lanka. It is also mentioned that discussions were held with Ceylon Aeronautical Services (CAS), the authorized representative of Bell Company for Sri Lanka and Maldives. Rathna Aviation, owned by Mr. Lankeshwara, currently uses a Robinson type helicopter for commercial air services in the country.

Meanwhile, Mr. Dudley Sirisena, another prominent figure in the country's rice business sector, also participated in the Singapore Airshow and stated that introducing a state-of-the-art helicopter to the country is his long-term dream. He mentioned that he dreams of a helicopter of a higher standard than the Bell model and that he will realize that dream very soon. These events demonstrate how leading rice businessmen in the country are moving beyond traditional agriculture, investing their wealth, and striving to conquer the aviation sector.