Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has the honour of inviting you to join the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as it launches a new initiative to promote aviation to the public at large through its new ICAO Global Ambassadors Program, as approved by the ICAO Council in its 235th Session.
Aviation Sector is projected to serve 12.4 billion passengers annually by 2050, an increase of nearly 300% over the current volumes. To address this growing demand, it is critical for the aviation sector to tap into pools of competent and skilled professionals, including those traditionally under-represented in the aviation sector. The ICAO Global Ambassadors Program will play an important role in promoting greater engagement across the sector.
This Program aims to enlist the volunteer services of prominent individuals from the aviation sector to raise awareness among various groups, notably women and youth, on aviation and the opportunities it offers. This Program is aligned with ICAO’s Strategic Plan 2026–2050 through which the Organization seeks to chart a new, forward-looking, and fit-for-purpose course to strengthen aviation safety, security, and sustainability worldwide.
You are invited to apply for ICAO Global Ambassadors Program, for designation by the ICAO Secretary General for a duration of two years.
The following criteria are expected to be taken into consideration in the selection of Ambassadors,
- Be widely recognized for expertise and accomplishments in aviation fields;
- Be actively working and engaged in the aviation industry;
- Be persons of ethics and integrity who demonstrate a strong desire to help mobilize public interest in, and support for, the Strategic Goals of ICAO and priorities of the aviation sector;
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding about ICAO, aviation workforce needs, as well as relevant topics such as women in aviation, next generation of aviation professionals, and be able to articulate them;
- Demonstrate the commitment and proven potential to reach out to significant audiences, including decision-makers; and
- As much as possible, be influential within their national borders, and corresponding region, thus having the ability to promote ICAO’s imperatives.
- Must be a citizen of Sri Lanka and be based in Sri Lanka
Kindly send your nomination on or before 04th September 2025 at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your CV attached, describing your involvement in the promotion of the civil aviation industry.
Enclosures: (Annex A) - Terms of Reference of Ambassadors
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In a significant step towards strengthening air connectivity, a delegation from Belavia Airlines, the National Air Carrier of the Republic of Belarus, paid a courtesy visit to the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) on 05th August 2025.
The discussions centered around Belavia’s new business plans and potential opportunities within Sri Lanka’s aviation sector. CAASL extended a warm welcome to their proposals, and the Belavia representatives expressed strong interest in exploring these opportunities further.
Representing CAASL at the meeting were Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman, Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Acting Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Deputy Director General (Flight Safety Regulation), Mr. M. A. K. Prasanna, Deputy Director General (Aeronautical Services Regulation) along with other senior officials.
The Belavia Airlines delegation was led by Mr. Uladzimir Barkun, Deputy Director General & Chief Commercial Officer, and Ms. Olga Mikhed, Head of Government & Industry Affairs, together with other senior officials.
The meeting was coordinated by Ms. Kaumadie Wijesinghe, Assistant Director (Europe and North America) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. Representatives from Far East Air Services (Pvt) Ltd, including Mr. Andre Fernando and Ms. Thanuja De Silva, General Sales Agents for Belavia in Sri Lanka, also attended the meeting.
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The Indonesian Deputy Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr. Fiki Oktanio, recently met with Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku, Deputy Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation, at the Ministry of Ports & Civil Aviation.
During the meeting, the Deputy Minister highlighted the longstanding and friendly bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and Indonesia, especially in the fields of civil aviation and maritime affairs. He emphasized the importance of further strengthening cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The discussion also included the renewal of the Aeronautical Search and Rescue Agreement between the two countries.
Mr. M. A. K. Prasanna, Deputy Director General (Aeronautical Services Regulation), and Mr. Thilina Warnasinghe, Director (Air Navigation Services), represented the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka at the meeting.
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The 60th Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation, Asia and Pacific Regions (DGCA/60) has been graciously hosted by the Civil Aviation Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan in Sendai, Japan from 28 July - 1 August 2025.
The five-day conference took the theme “The Sustainable Skies of The Asia-Pacific Region: Towards Increased Economic Prosperity and Social Well-Being by Air Transport of People and Goods in the Region”.
The APAC DGCA/60 opening ceremony highlighted the importance of aviation safety and cooperation in the Asia/Pacific regions. His Excellency, Mr. Nakano Hiromasa, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan, emphasized the region's significant growth, with air traffic expected to double by 2043. Ms. Nakayama Rieko, Director-General for International Aviation of Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) underscored the challenges of safety, efficiency, and environmental impact. The conference aims to foster sustainable skies and economic prosperity. ICAO Secretary-General, Juan Carlos Salazar emphasized the need for consistent safety standards, with the region's effective implementation score at 67%. The meeting also addressed environmental efforts, including CORSIA participation, and economic development strategies. After the opening remarks, a sacred Kagura style dance was performed which gave a cultural touch at this opening ceremony.
Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO Secretary-General, headed the ICAO Delegation. Mr. Tao Ma, the ICAO APAC Regional Director, and Dr. Manjit Singh, the ICAO APAC Deputy Regional Director acted as Secretary of the conference proceedings supported by ICAO APAC technical officers.
35 States and Administrations along with 12 International Organizations attend the Conference. Altogether over 400 participants attended the conference including 16 exhibitors and 14 sponsors supporting the conference.
There are 100 discussion papers and 60 information papers totaling 160 papers across 10 agenda items that capture the entire spectrum of civil aviation sector. The conference has several interesting discussion papers that capture various current challenges in the field of civil aviation apart from the emerging challenges. In addition, there are a couple of discussion papers on regional collaboration that are through the spirit of this conference.
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On 14 July 2025, civil aviation authorities from the Asia-Pacific region officially launched the “Reference Materials for Regulators to Facilitate the Regulation of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Operations” during the 2nd Meeting of Asia-Pacific Regulators on AAM, held as part of the High-Level Aviation Week in Singapore.
This marks a significant milestone as the Asia-Pacific becomes the first region where regulators have collaboratively developed a unified set of reference materials. These guidelines are intended to help national regulators prepare for and facilitate the safe and effective integration of air taxis and drones into commercial airspace.
The materials are designed to be adaptable and will be regularly updated in response to emerging technologies and operational developments. The group also plans to submit the Reference Materials to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for consideration as a global reference.
Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Acting Director General of Civil Aviation, represented Sri Lanka at this important regional meeting.
Find out more here: https://www.caas.gov.sg/.../asia-pacific-region-adopts.../
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