Saudi Passenger Gets Suspended Jail Term in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Saudi Arabian national accused of assaulting and intimidating a SriLankan Airlines flight attendant, causing minor injuries, has been sentenced to three months’ imprisonment suspended for five years by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

The verdict was delivered by Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama after the suspect admitted guilt to the charges filed by police. 

The incident occurred on October 27, aboard a flight from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to Katunayake International Airport.

According to the complaint, the altercation began when the passenger attempted to use the lavatory despite instructions for all passengers to remain seated with seat belts fastened. 

The confrontation escalated, resulting in the flight attendant sustaining minor injuries.

Following the guilty plea, the court imposed the suspended sentence, emphasizing the seriousness of misconduct aboard aircraft.