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The second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation successfully...

Closing Date 07th November 2024

The second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation successfully held in New Delhi, India from 11 – 12 September 2024, following the offer made at the first Ministerial Conference in Beijing, China, in 2018.

The conference focused on addressing key challengers such as infrastructure develo

The second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation successfully held in New Delhi, India from 11 – 12 September 2024, following the offer made at the first Ministerial Conference in Beijing, China, in 2018.

The conference focused on addressing key challengers such as infrastructure development, sustainability, and workforce development, while fostering greater collaboration between the public and private sector.

Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano, the president of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council and Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, the ICAO secretary General had been attended to this conference.

Representing Sri Lanka, AVM Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd.), the Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer led the delegation and delivered the statement of Sri Lanka’s commitment on development of civil Aviation on behalf of the Minister of Ports, Shipping & Civil Aviation. Ms. Avanthi Senarathne, the Vice Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited attended as a member of the SriLankan delegation.

Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narajdra Modi grace this occasion as chief guest and during this conference he officially announced “Delhi Declaration” by all member states in Asia Pacific.  

This conference and the adoption of the “Delhi Declaration” represent a significant step forward in advancing safety, security and sustainability in the Asia Pacific civil aviation sector and highlights the spirit of corporation that exists among the countries of this region.

The event jointly organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and ICAO had bring together Transport and Aviation Ministers, Regulators Bodies and industry experts from across the Asia Pacific region.

The President of ICAO said that the Asia Pacific was among the fastest growing market in the world.

“We are expecting 4.5 billion passengers in this year, which will growth on 11.5 billion passengers in 2050. Asia Pacific is a beacon of this growth.” He added.

 

Katunayake, 14th August 2024 — The 8th National Air Transport Facilitation Committee (NATFC) Meeting convened today at the Kokila Auditorium, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Katunayake. Chaired by Mr. Ruwanchandra, the Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, this pivotal meeting underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to enhancing its aviation sector through coordinated efforts in facilitation.

The NATFC is a collaborative platform bringing together departments, agencies, and organizations across Sri Lanka, all of which have a stake in the international civil aviation landscape. The primary goal of the NATFC is to take necessary policy-level decisions to achieve the objectives established under the National Air Transport Facilitation Program (NATFP).

Facilitation has emerged as a cornerstone of global aviation, recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as a critical factor on par with safety and security. Reflecting this importance, ICAO has designated 2024 as the "Year of Facilitation." The relevance of facilitation was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery period, where streamlined processes were crucial in maintaining the flow of international air traffic.

Facilitation involves a comprehensive set of measures and the effective use of human and material resources to enhance and streamline the movement of aircraft, crew, passengers, cargo, baggage, mail, and stores through airports. This is done while ensuring strict compliance with both international and national regulations. The members of the NATFC are fully committed to this process, recognizing that a well-coordinated facilitation strategy is key to the efficient and secure operation of Sri Lanka’s airports.

This meeting not only reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s dedication to enhancing its aviation sector but also highlighted the collaborative spirit essential for navigating the challenges and opportunities in the evolving global aviation landscape.

 

In response to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of Monkeypox (MPOX) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the Aeromedical Services of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) successfully conducted an awareness session on MPOX on 13th September 2024 at the CAASL Auditorium.
 
The session aimed to enhance the knowledge of civil aviation stakeholders on identifying passengers affected by MPOX and implementing immediate precautionary measures. The program sought to strengthen the readiness of the aviation sector in responding to potential health risks, ensuring the safety of passengers and staff while facilitating prompt referrals to relevant authorities.
 
The awareness session was led by eminent health professionals, including Dr. Samitha Ginige, Director (Quarantine) of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Dilini Samarasekara, Consultant (Community Physician) at the Quarantine Unit of the Ministry of Health and Dr. Bimal Dias, Senior Civil Aviation Inspector in Aviation Medicine at CAASL.
 
A total of over 80 participants attended the program, including representatives from various civil aviation stakeholders in Sri Lanka and Civil Aviation Inspectors from CAASL.
The event was graced by Mr. G. S. Withanage, Chairman of CAASL, with Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Deputy Director General (Air Transport & Security Regulations) also representing CAASL.
 

The 31st Steering Committee Meeting of COSCAP - South Asia (Cooperative Development of Operational Safety and Continuing Airworthiness Program – South Asia), dedicated to advancing civil aviation safety in the region, successfully concluded in Paro, Bhutan from 7th to 9th of May 2024.

During this gathering, AVM Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd.), Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka, assumed leadership as the Chairman for a 2-year term. This pivotal role oversees the annual steering committee meetings, which play a vital role in shaping civil aviation safety initiatives. Mr. Khaqan Murtaza, DGCA of Pakistan, served as the previous Chairman for the past two years.

Established in 1997, COSCAP-SA embarks on its 6th Phase with a steadfast commitment to enhancing safety measures within South Asian civil aviation. Over the years, it has proactively implemented various initiatives to bolster safety standards across the region.

The Steering Committee meeting drew participation not only from member states but also representatives from key stakeholders such as Airbus, Boeing, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), as well as Civil Aviation Authorities from Britain (CAA-UK) and France (DGCA-France).