Sri Lanka, June 10 -- A. K. D. D. Dimal Arandara has been appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of SriLankan Airlines Limited with immediate effect.

An internal communique circulated within the national carrier confirmed that the top-level appointment was made with the direct concurrence of the President.

He assumes leadership of the state-owned airline during a period of intense public scrutiny, as the carrier continues to grapple with severe financial challenges and a prolonged executive transition following the resignation of former Chairman Sarath Ganegoda earlier this year.

The appointment comes at a highly contentious time for the loss-making institution, which has recently faced heavy criticism over reports that...