With over twenty years at Sri Lankan Airlines, Prasadini Perera has become a cornerstone in the fields of Emergency Response Planning (ERP), Business Continuity Planning (BCP), and Aviation Crisis Management.
Currently leading emergency preparedness for Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), and the airline’s global operations, she has carved out a formidable space in a traditionally male-dominated domain. Prasadini is a certified instructor, active mentor with Women in Management (WIM), and the newly appointed Chief Editor of ADRiMP Sri Lanka. Her multi-faceted journey also includes achievements in athletics, swimming, and Bharatha Natyam. In this wide-ranging interview, she shares her inspiring story; one that’s grounded in resilience, leadership, and a deep sense of service.
Q You’ve built a dynamic career in a highly demanding industry. What first drew you into aviation and emergency response?
Honestly, it wasn’t planned. My first interview after school was with Sri Lankan Airlines, just for experience. To my surprise, I was selected as an Airport Service Agent. My sports background helped me land the job. I later pursued a degree and transitioned into Corporate Safety, starting from the lowest level. It was all new, male-dominated, but intriguing. Along the way, I studied Diplomatic Relations, Hospitality Management, and eventually completed my MSc in Disaster Management. The industry found me, and I’m grateful it did.
Believe in your worth, even when others don’t. Keep learning, keep showing up.
Q What are the most important qualities a crisis management leader must develop today?
Adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strategic foresight. Crisis leaders must read situations fast and act with clarity. It’s about flexible frameworks, not rigid rules. These traits are built over time, through real-life experience and mentorship.
Q You’ve played a key role in integrating aviation crises into national frameworks. Can you share a moment where this collaboration proved crucial?
This year, we initiated collaboration with Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management officials to include commercial air crash scenarios in national drills; a first. I also worked with local and international experts on bird strike prevention, which is a serious aviation risk. Integrating aviation into national planning is essential, and I’m proud to be part of that progress.
Q How has your background in psychology and counselling helped you in leading emergency response teams?
It’s been a game-changer. Emergencies aren’t just operational; they’re emotional. My background helps me support teams through stress and trauma. During training, I share real stories to help people connect with the human side of crisis management.
Q What advice would you give to young women pursuing careers in male-dominated fields like aviation?
Believe in your worth, even when others don’t. Keep learning, keep showing up. Find or become a mentor. And remember, being empathetic and strong aren’t mutually exclusive, emotional intelligence is a leadership strength, not a weakness.
Q From athletics to classical dance, you maintain incredible balance across disciplines. How do you manage to do it all?
It started in childhood with unwavering support from my parents and brother. They never forced me to focus only on grades; they encouraged all my passions. Dance taught me discipline and cultural appreciation. Sports taught me resilience. Together, they shaped a balanced, adaptable mindset that serves me every day.
Crisis leaders must read situations fast and act with clarity. It’s about flexible frameworks, not rigid rules.
Q How has being an athlete helped shape your approach to work and leadership?
It’s kept me grounded and energized. I stayed active in swimming and athletics beyond school and even re-joined the field through Sri Lankan’s netball and athletics teams. Competing reignited my drive. One highlight was organizing the Mercantile Swimming Meet last year, we won 2nd runner-up and the Over-40 Women’s Trophy. Sports instill teamwork, discipline, and stress management, all vital to leadership.
Q As Chief Editor of ADRiMP Sri Lanka, what message do you aim to amplify in the field of disaster risk management?
That disaster risk management isn’t just about response; it’s about prevention and preparedness. I want to spotlight cross-sector collaboration and encourage national integration of aviation crisis scenarios. It’s about being proactive, not just reactive.
Q What’s one professional goal you’re still working toward?
To teach and mentor the next generation in crisis management. I want to create a culture of preparedness, where people are empowered to anticipate, not just react. And ultimately, I aim to contribute to national-level strategy and planning.
Q If you could bring one change to the aviation industry in Sri Lanka, what would it be?
Strengthening domestic air travel. Better aircraft, infrastructure, and pricing would boost tourism and regional development. It’s a step toward a more connected and economically dynamic Sri Lanka.
Prasadini Perera is proof that you don’t need to follow a conventional path to build a meaningful and powerful career. From her unexpected entry into aviation to becoming a respected leader in crisis management, her journey is one of grit, grace, and growth. Whether she’s leading emergency drills, mentoring future leaders, or swimming for gold, Prasadini moves with intention, and inspires others to do the same.
‘High Altitude, Fast Answers’
- One word your colleagues would use to describe you: Ambulance, because I’m always first on the scene, fast, and ready for any emergency!
- Crisis response or crisis prevention: what excites you more? Definitely crisis prevention. It’s where strategy, foresight, and innovation come together.
- Favourite airport in the world (other than BIA)? Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair, it’s remote, serene, and full of character.
- One dance performance you’ll never forget? My Arangetram, where my late father sang a Sinhala song live as I performed to it. It was an emotional fusion of our talents and a moment I’ll treasure forever.
- Heels or sneakers at work? Sneakers for the win! Comfortable, practical, and perfect for staying grounded in a fast-paced job, though heels do give that extra boost of confidence now and then.
- Most thrilling sports victory? Winning silver at the 36th Malaysian International Masters Meet in 2024, my first international competition and an unforgettable high.
- If not aviation, what would you be doing? Teaching. It’s where my heart is; guiding, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation.
- Coffee or tea to kickstart your day? Coffee: strong, bold, and gets me moving.
- A book or quote that inspires your leadership? “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” It reminds me to keep dreaming big and pushing forward.
- Triple jump, long jump, or 100m - which is your first love? Long Jump; always has been, always will be. It taught me the power of precision, timing, and trusting the leap.
