A Young Girl’s Dream Takes Flight: An Unforgettable Day for 12-Year-Old Sarunya from Jaffna
A beautiful and heartwarming moment unfolded at Bandaranaike International Airport when a young girl from Jaffna saw one of her biggest dreams come true.
Twelve-year-old Sarunya from Jaffna, who is courageously battling childhood leukemia, was given the opportunity to make a special wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Her wish was simple.
She wanted to meet a real pilot and see an aircraft up close.
But what began as a small childhood wish soon turned into an experience far greater than she could ever have imagined.
With the support of SriLankan Airlines and Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited (AASL), a special day was arranged exclusively for Sarunya—filled with warmth, surprises, gifts and unforgettable moments.
From the moment she arrived at the airport, Sarunya was welcomed with extraordinary kindness. Everyone involved came together to make her feel special and ensure that her day would become a memory she would cherish forever.
One of the most emotional highlights of the day came when Sarunya was given a special welcome aboard SriLankan Airlines flight UL 503.
Captain Amrick Varia warmly invited her into the aircraft’s cockpit, allowing the young girl to sit in the captain’s seat—the very place she had only dreamed of seeing. To make the moment even more special, he placed a captain’s hat on her head.
For a few unforgettable moments, Sarunya was no longer just a little girl dreaming about aviation.
She was living her dream.
The cabin crew, led by Cabin Manager Lakmali De Silva, also welcomed Sarunya with immense affection, making her feel like a cherished member of the SriLankan Airlines family.
But the surprises were far from over.
With the approval of Captain Chaminda De Zoysa, Captain Chamika Rupasinghe arranged another extraordinary experience for Sarunya—a special opportunity to experience a flight simulator.
Sitting inside the simulator cockpit beside a pilot, Sarunya experienced the incredible sensation of flying an aircraft, from take-off to landing.
It was an experience that transformed a simple wish into an extraordinary adventure.
For one day, a young girl fighting one of life’s toughest battles was surrounded by love, compassion, hope and the magic of aviation.
Her small wish became a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest gifts are not measured by their size—but by the hope and happiness they bring.
One small wish. One big dream. And a moment of hope that spread its wings at BIA.
Because airplanes do not only carry passengers from one destination to another.
Sometimes, they carry dreams to the sky.
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