IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards 2022

What an honour and a privilege to receive the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Diversity and Inclusion 2022 High Flyer Award for our work at the AGM in Doha today.

Growing up in Sri Lanka dreaming of flying the oceans I could not have imagined receiving this award and speaking to leaders from the aviation industry. That’s the power of role models and collaboration. We know great strides can be made when we work together for a common cause. And I’ve seen first hand how our inspirational role models can influence the next generation to aspire to be the best they can. This is how we move from representation to transformational change. Our Directors and supporters of this entirely volunteer run organisation has achieved great things so far and made such progress in this arena.

Amelia Earhart once said that if we have a great runway we must take off. And if not it is our responsibility to build one for ourselves and those that follow in our footsteps. I’ve tried to live by this principle.

All my gratitude to IATA and Qatar Airways for their generosity and commitment to Diversity & Inclusion. And to all the aviation leaders today for giving me a seat at your table and a voice with this award.