The Aeromedical Services (AMS) of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) successfully conducted a professional development session on psychology, further strengthening its commitment to excellence in aviation medicine and regulatory standards.
This session forms part of a series of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes designed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and professional capabilities of Aviation Medical Examiners. The initiative specifically aims to support examiners in appropriately identifying Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) licence holders who may exhibit psychological instability, and to ensure timely referral to qualified psychologists for appropriate management and support.
The session was facilitated by Ms. Anita Sharma, a Clinical and Health Psychologist with extensive experience in providing mental and emotional health support across both local and international institutions. Her expertise provided valuable insights into the psychological dimensions relevant to aviation safety and medical assessments.
The programme was conducted with the participation and guidance of Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO), together with Dr. Bimal Dias, Senior Civil Aviation Inspector (Aviation Medicine), and the Aeromedical Services team.
The programme was conducted with the participation and guidance of Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO), and was organized by Dr. Bimal Dias, Senior Civil Aviation Inspector (Aviation Medicine)/Head of Aeromedical Services, who is in charge of the AMS CPD programme.
The session was attended by Aviation Medical Examiners, Panel Doctors, Airline Doctors and AMS staff, and focused on strengthening competencies in the psychological aspects of Aviation Medicine—an essential component in ensuring the safety, well-being, and operational reliability of aviation personnel.
CAASL continues to prioritize continuous professional development and capacity building to uphold international best practices in aviation medicine and safety oversight.
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Mr. Paul Edwards, Inspector and First Secretary Colombo of the Australian Border Force, paid a courtesy visit to Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO) of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).
During their discussion, Mr. Edwards extended his warmest congratulations to the Sri Lankan DGCA and conveyed the Australian Government’s strong commitment to strengthening ties with Sri Lanka, particularly in enhancing aviation security capacity and search and rescue capabilities.
In response, the Sri Lankan DGCA paid tribute to the Government of Australia and its people for their humanitarian assistance during Sri Lanka’s times of need, as well as their support in civil aviation security capacity, border control, and search and rescue operations.
The discussions also focused on further developing aviation training opportunities with the assistance of Australian aviation expertise.
Also present at the meeting were Mr. M. A. K. Prasanna, Deputy Director General (Aeronautical Services Regulation), and Ms. SHashika Perera, Coordinator of the Australian Border Force at the Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka.
The diplomatic relationship between Sri Lanka and Australia, which began in 1957, is now embarking on its 79th year.
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The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) recently received technical assistance from the Cooperative Development of Operational Safety and Continuing Airworthiness Programme – South Asia (COSCAP-SA).
Ms. Truphosa Adhiambo Chocho, an ANS Safety Expert, conducted a thorough two-week audit of Air Navigation Services (ANS) based on the ICAO 2024 Protocol Questions in preparation for the upcoming ICAO audit.
This mission reviewed the progress on previously issued recommendations, evaluated the implementation status of ANS Protocol Questions, and identified additional areas where further technical support could enhance Sri Lanka’s aviation safety oversight.
Under the leadership of Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO), along with Mr. M. A. K. Prasanna, Deputy Director General – Aeronautical Services Regulations (DDG/ASR), and Mr. Thilina Warnasinghe, Director – Air Navigation Services (D/ANS), CAASL demonstrated its ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards in aviation safety and regulatory compliance.
The closing ceremony was attended by Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman of CAASL, Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, DGCA & CEO, Mr. M. A. K. Prasanna, DDG/ASR, Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, DDG/ ATSR, Mr. Thilina Warnasinghe, D/ANS, Ms. Truphosa Adhiambo Chocho, ANS Safety Expert, and senior officials from the ANS section of CAASL.
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Mr. Kinley Wangchuk, Director General of Civil Aviation of the Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority, paid a courtesy visit to Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO) of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).
During the meeting, the Bhutan DGCA shared suggestions and proposed operational plans aimed at strengthening international scheduled passenger operations. Additionally, discussions focused on further developing aviation training opportunities for Bhutanese students in Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan DGCA received these suggestions positively and requested Bhutan to submit a formal proposal to formulate an Air Services Agreement between the two countries to enhance cooperation in air transport sector.
Both parties agreed that any final decisions regarding the amendments will be made after receiving guidance from the relevant line ministry, the Ministry of Ports & Civil Aviation and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The discussions also highlighted the unprecedented challenges the aviation industry has faced recently, notably due to the Middle East conflict, which caused a significant decline in global air travel. However, with countries beginning to recover from the conflict, there is renewed optimism and a collective effort to rebuild and expand the aviation sector.
Capt. Lasantha Dahanayake, Deputy Director General (Flight Safety Regulation), Mr. Asanga Liyanarachchi, Director, Air Transport & Economic Regulations and the representatives from Bhuthan Civil Aviation Authority were present at this meeting.
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The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) proudly organized a vibrant one-day aviation awareness program to enhance aviation knowledge among students interested in the aviation field, in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2026.
With the participation of 150 students from School Aviation Clubs, universities, and aviation training institutions and line ministry officers, attendees had the opportunity to explore diverse career pathways and learn about the many opportunities shaping the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP).
The students were guided by resource persons from the Civil Aviation Authority, Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited, SriLankan Airlines Limited, SriLankan Catering Limited, and SriLankan Aviation College.
Following the event, a field visit to Bandaranaike International Airport was arranged to provide practical insights into airport operations. Additionally, a visit to an aircraft at the B747 hangar was coordinated with SriLankan Airlines Limited.
Under the guidance of the Line Ministry, Ministry of Ports & Civil Aviation, and with the approval of the Ministry of Education, CAASL is committed to organizing various awareness programs to enhance aviation knowledge among students. This program especially aimed to inspire young people to explore the exciting world of aviation and envision themselves in dynamic, high-impact careers across the sector, with a special focus on empowering women in aviation in Sri Lanka.
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