It has virtually doubled in size since peace returned to its home country four years ago and plans further substantial expansion to its fleet and network in the next few years.

It operates a fleet of 21 aircraft – including eight Airbus A320s/321s, seven A330-200s and six A340-300s – and has orders for 10 new aircraft, including four A350-900s.

Using the airline code UL, it carried 4.7 million passengers last year between its Colombo base and 32 destinations in 20 countries across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Its destinations include oneworld hubs Doha, Hong Kong, London Heathrow, Kuala Lumpur, Moscow Domodedovo and Tokyo Narita, along with Bangkok and Singapore.