Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today sentenced a Saudi Arabian national to a three-month suspended prison term, effective for five years, and imposed a fine of Rs. 10,000 after he pleaded guilty to assaulting a SriLankan Airlines flight attendant.
The incident occurred on the morning of October 26 aboard SriLankan Airlines flight UL 266 from Riyadh to Katunayake. The passenger, identified as Alshahila Abdul Kima, had tried to go to the lavatory while the aircraft was preparing to land, ignoring repeated announcements instructing passengers to remain seated with seat belts fastened.
When a flight attendant intervened, a verbal argument escalated into a physical altercation. The cabin crew immediately informed the pilot, and upon landing, airport police arrested the suspect.
During the court proceedings, police highlighted that the passenger’s actions violated aviation safety regulations requiring passengers to remain seated during landing. The suspect was initially released on bail before being sentenced today.
