SHYAM RANASINGHE
Warilla,NSW
Summary
- Experienced Protocol Officer with proven track record in diplomatic relations and event management. Strengths include exceptional organizational skills, keen attention to detail, and proficiency in international protocol standards. Previous roles involved managing high-level events, ensuring adherence to protocol guidelines, fostering positive relationships with international counterparts, and contributing effectively to team objectives. Background in military and aviation brings a degree of discipline and drive to perfection that synergises to deliver beyond expectations
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Captain Pilot – Cessna 208B Grand Caravan
Cinnamon Air
Colombo, Sri Lanka
01.2024 - 12.2025
- Commercial aviation operations in a multi‑crew environment with strong emphasis on safety, coordination and communication
- Collaborated with crew to deliver exceptional passenger experiences.
- Instrumental in designing an all new Crew Resource Management training module for the airline
Protocol Officer to the Commander
Sri Lanka Air Force
01.2021 - 06.2023
- Planned and coordinated high‑level official visits, delegations and ceremonial events involving Heads of State, senior military leaders, government officials and international delegations and other dignitaries. The involvement spans across more than 50 High / Very high levels bilateral engagements
- Acted as the primary liaison between the Commander’s office and internal units, government agencies, and external stakeholders, including diplomatic establishments and foreign air forces.
- Managed complex schedules, logistics, documentation, and briefing materials to ensure visits were executed professionally and in line with protocol requirements.
- Oversaw adherence to formal protocol standards, cultural sensitivities, and organisational expectations.
- Provided on-the-day coordination and issue resolution in high-visibility environments.
- Maintained discretion and confidentiality while working closely with senior leadership
Operational & Engagement Roles (Aviation & Public‑Sector Environment)
Sri Lanka Air Force
, Sri Lanka
01.2002 - 01.2024
- Extensive experience coordinating complex operational activities across multiple stakeholders and functional areas
- Regular engagement with senior leaders, partner organisations and external agencies
- Preparation of formal correspondence, reports, briefings and documentation
- Management of competing priorities in time‑critical and high‑accountability environments
- Contribution to continuous improvement through post‑activity reviews and reporting
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Postgraduate Institute of Management
Colombo, Sri Lanka08-2023
Master of Military Science - Military Command
Air Force Command College
Beijing - China07-2017
Bachelor of Science - Defence Studies
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
Ratmalana, Sri Lanka10-2006
Skills
- High-level protocol management
- Partnership and stakeholder engagement
- Event planning and delivery
- Agreements and documentation coordination
- Cross-cultural engagement
- Executive support and briefing
- Governance and compliance
- Risk management
- Logistics planning
- On-the-day coordination
- Professional communication skills
- Reporting and feedback
- Continuous improvement strategies
- Autonomous work capability
- Collaborative teamwork skills
- Microsoft Office proficiency
Additional Information
Eligible to work in Australia, Willing to undergo probity and background checks as required, Available for full‑time, permanent appointment, Referees available on request
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Sinhalese
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Captain Pilot – Cessna 208B Grand Caravan
Cinnamon Air
01.2024 - 12.2025
Protocol Officer to the Commander
Sri Lanka Air Force
01.2021 - 06.2023
Operational & Engagement Roles (Aviation & Public‑Sector Environment)
Sri Lanka Air Force
01.2002 - 01.2024
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Postgraduate Institute of Management
Master of Military Science - Military Command
Air Force Command College
Bachelor of Science - Defence Studies
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University