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The SriLankan Airlines cancellation policy provides a clear framework for cancelling tickets and securing refunds when travel plans change or unexpected events occur. This section sets the scene for what follows and it highlights the key areas you should read carefully before you decide to cancel. You will learn who can cancel, how refunds are calculated, the timing for claims and how to avoid common pitfalls that cause delays or extra charges.

Who can cancel and when you are eligible for a refund

Under the SriLankan Airlines cancellation policy, passengers who book flight tickets  directly from Srilankan.com or the official mobile app can use the online refund form to request a refund. Tickets bought through travel agents or third-party portals must be handled by the issuing agent and those passengers should contact their agent to initiate cancellation. The airline also accepts cancellations at local town offices or through its global contact centre, depending on ticket origin and purchase method.

The 24-hour window that helps you save your full fare

The SriLankan Airlines cancellation policy includes a 24-hour cancellation provision that protects travellers who correct mistakes immediately after booking. If you cancel within twenty-four hours of purchase and your flight departs at least seventy-two hours later, you may qualify for a full refund without penalty. This rule gives passengers breathing room to review details and to amend accidental bookings without losing money.

The step-by-step refund process and waiting period

When you submit a claim under the SriLankan Airlines cancellation policy, the airline acknowledges the request with an automatic response and then evaluates the refund amount according to fare rules, taxes and fees. Refund estimates are usually provided within three to four working days and the full refund may take up to fourteen working days to reach your card or bank account while  depending on your payment method and the issuing bank. Keep the refund reference number safe as it speeds up follow-up enquiries.

How cancellation charges and fare rules affect your refund

The SriLankan Airlines cancellation policy makes clear that cancellation charges vary by fare class and by route. Refundable fares normally allow full refunds minus administrative fees while promotional or special fares may be non-refundable and only permit tax refunds or limited credits. Passengers should read the purchase conditions on the booking page because the specific penalty amounts and change rules appear at the point of sale and they dictate what you will receive back after cancellation.

Changing dates or routes instead of cancelling completely

Instead of cancelling travellers often prefer to change dates or adjust the route under the SriLankan Airlines cancellation policy because the first date change for many direct bookings may carry no penalty and you simply pay the fare difference if applicable. Use the Manage My Booking feature to modify travel details at least five hours before the scheduled departure to avoid no-show penalties. Note that some ancillary services such as prepaid baggage or certain seat assignments may or may not transfer to the new booking so check each service term before you change.

Avoiding the no-show trap and keeping your travel rights

A no-show occurs when a passenger does not present for travel and fails to cancel at least five hours prior to departure under the SriLankan Airlines cancellation policy. If you become a no-show, the ticket may be totally forfeited and subsequent segments of a multi-leg journey could be cancelled automatically. To avoid this outcome, cancel or rebook as early as possible and keep digital proof of your cancellation confirmation so you can contest any incorrect no-show designation.

Easy online steps to submit a refund request

Follow these steps to submit a claim under the SriLankan Airlines cancellation policy:

  • Visit the SriLankan website and open Manage My Booking.
  • Enter your booking reference and surname to locate your reservation.
  • Choose the flight segment you wish to cancel and select the online refund request option.
  • Complete the form carefully, attach the required documents, such as medical proof if relevant and submit the request.

After submission, you will get an email with a reference number starting with UL/RR which you should record. If you do not receive the acknowledgement, check your spam folders and resubmit or email online_refund@srilankan.com with your reference to request assistance.

Extra protection with Flightsmojo TripShield and booking tips

Booking through a trusted travel platform changes your level of protection because the SriLankan Airlines cancellation policy works alongside any platform safeguards. Flightsmojo offers a TripShield policy which ensures that if you book your flight ticket through Flightsmojo, you receive a 100% refund of the ticket amount if you cancel within the TripShield terms. Consider TripShield when booking to gain complete refund protection, especially for unpredictable trips. Additional tips to keep in mind include saving screenshots of confirmations asking for written receipts when you contact support and checking fare conditions before you finalise payment.

Suggested Read: SriLankan Airlines Online Web Check-In Process Explained 2025

SriLankan Airlines cancellation policy- FAQs

1. How do I cancel a SriLankan Airlines ticket bought online?

You cancel by logging into Manage My Booking, selecting the booking and submitting the online refund request form which generates an acknowledgement and a reference number.

2. What is the timeframe for refunds under the SriLankan Airlines cancellation policy?

Estimated responses arrive within three to four working days and the refund itself can take up to fourteen working days to appear in your account, depending on the banks.

3. Can I cancel within 24 hours and get a full refund?

Yes, you can avail a full refund if you cancel within twenty-four hours of booking and if the flight departs at least seventy-two hours after the booking time.

4. What if I bought my ticket through a travel agent?

Agent-issued tickets require you to contact the issuing agent for cancellations and refunds because the travel agent controls the ticket record.

5. Are promotional tickets refundable under the SriLankan Airlines cancellation policy?

Promotional fares normally come with restrictions and they often do not permit refunds, so check the purchase conditions carefully before cancelling.

6. What happens when the airline cancels my flight?

If the airline cancels, you may choose rebooking on the next available flight or request a full refund and you may have added rights under applicable passenger compensation rules.

7. How do I avoid no-show status?

Avoid a no-show by cancelling at least five hours before departure or by changing your travel plans through Manage My Booking well in advance.

8. What documents are needed for emergency-based refunds?

Medical certificates, death certificates or other official documents may be required to support a request for fee waivers or compassionate refunds.

9. Will ancillary services be refunded?

Some services are transferable and refundable based on their terms while others such as celebratory cakes or certain priority services, are non-refundable, so check the service rules.

10. Who do I contact if the online form fails?

If the online form returns an error, forward the ticket details and a screenshot of the error to online_refund@srilankan.com or contact your local SriLankan office for assistance.