Colombo, February 6 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lankan business tycoon Dudley Sirisena has sparked fresh interest in the aviation sector after hinting that a brand-new helicopter could soon be brought to Sri Lanka.
Speaking while attending the Singapore Airshow 2026, Sirisena said he hopes to make his long-time dream of introducing a modern helicopter to the country a reality in the near future.
He made these remarks in an interview with the YouTube channel at the exhibition. Sirisena noted that he closely studies helicopter technology and has been a regular visitor to the Singapore Airshow over the years.
Asia’s largest aviation event kicked off on Tuesday (3), bringing together more than 1,000 companies for the 10th edition of the biennial Singapore Airshow. Major global players such as Airbus and Boeing are taking part, alongside regional firms like ST Engineering and emerging drone-focused defence companies including Anduril Industries and Shield AI. The event comes at a time when the aviation industry is pushing for rapid growth despite ongoing supply chain delays.
During the interview, a latest helicopter model by Bell Textron Inc. was on display behind Sirisena. Referring to it, he said Sri Lanka is moving forward quickly, especially with the recovery of the tourism industry.
“I have made many of my life’s dreams come true through great sacrifice,” Sirisena said. “My next dream is behind me now, but I am dreaming of a helicopter even better than the latest Bell model. I will make this dream come true very soon.”
Sokrates Friday, 06 February 2026 08:33 AM
Then you should choose the H145 Mercedes-Benz Style from Airbus. It is the most luxurious and comfortable helicopter in the world.
Kandaih Balendran Sunday, 08 February 2026 09:37 AM
Ministers are already in the pocket. Double pockets.
Down Under Friday, 06 February 2026 10:33 AM
Thanks to All the poor farmers who paid the price with their sweat, blood and tears. What a hypocrite.
Chandra Fonseka Friday, 06 February 2026 10:58 AM
Better still , give rice a bit cheeper so that the poor people will benfit from it. You have killed the poor people just to make vast amounts of money for yourself. Should be enough now !!
Sithum Friday, 06 February 2026 11:06 AM
Why is this even on the news ??? wo cares its someone who wants to buy something for himself.
Bernard Rozarius Friday, 06 February 2026 11:41 AM
Dudley Sirisena come to this position from scratch level
stfup Friday, 06 February 2026 09:54 PM
Dr Tissa Fernando Friday, 06 February 2026 12:12 PM
Where is he getting foreign currency for these high end stuff?
Joy Friday, 06 February 2026 12:18 PM
Rich guy buying a helicopter becomes headline news in Sri Lanka. What small minds!
Astrologer Friday, 06 February 2026 01:39 PM
Had you sold Araliya rice Rs.20 less to the poor, you would have gained merit to have a better life next birth.
Angna Kouross Friday, 06 February 2026 10:49 PM
If you prove that there's one available, he might consider. You may try going there and then coming back to show it's truly there.
Walter Gunetilleke Friday, 06 February 2026 03:39 PM
I wish you bring A380 to Sri Lankan Airlines with the funds from other businessmen too. All the best.
Dhammika Wickramasekera Sunday, 08 February 2026 07:48 AM
Hope it is for s useful purpose not for a show off.he can use it for tourist transport for high end tourist.with the additional money he can help local universities for Agricultural research on organic cultivation and better yielding rice crops.
Jen Friday, 06 February 2026 04:25 PM
A Rolls Royce, now a helicopter, all by trampling the dreams of paddy farmers and consumers for fair prices. Campaign funding for politicians, helps to make your grandiose dreams become a reality.
P Kunchithapathan Friday, 06 February 2026 09:37 PM
No one is going to rejoice because a rice merchant can afford to buy the most expensive vehicle or even a helicopter. Is this man trying to throw a challenge to the state itself? While farmers struggle and consumers suffer, such displays of wealth only highlight how distorted and unjust the system has become. One can only imagine how badly the paddy and rice industry has been manipulated over the years. In Sri Lanka, a so-called ‘rice mafia’ continues to thrive, while farmers are systematically marginalised by powerful rice mill owners and brokers. Strangely—and tragically—no government so far has been able, or willing, to effectively protect the interests of the farmers, who are the very backbone of the country’s food security.
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