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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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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Organized by the Civil Aviation Promotion Unit of CAASL, the program began with a thought-provoking panel discussion at the CAASL Auditorium, followed by an educational field visit to Bandaranaike International Airport—offering students valuable real-world exposure to key aviation operations.
The expert panel featured distinguished leaders from Sri Lanka’s aviation and tourism sectors:
- Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa – Acting Director General & CEO, CAASL
- Capt. Daminda Rambukwella – Deputy Director General (Air Safety Regulation), CAASL
- Mr. Indunil Wijekoon – Regional Manager, SriLankan Airlines
- Mr. Sampath Nishshanka – Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB)
- Mr. Shalutha R. Rathnayake – Airport Manager, Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd.
- Session Moderator: Mr. Ishara Gunawerdena – Manager, Air Transport & Traffic Rights, CAASL
Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman of CAASL, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, along with Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Acting Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Deputy Director General (Flight Safety Regulation), Mr. M. A. K. Prasanna, Deputy Director General (Aeronautical Services Regulation) of CAASL, and the academic staff of Uva Wellassa University
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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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Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa officially assumed duties as the Acting Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) on 03rd July 2025, following the retirement of the former DGCA.
A ceremony was held to mark this significant occasion in the presence of Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman of CAASL, Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Deputy Director General (Air Safety Regulation), Mr. M. A. K. Prasanna, Deputy Director General (Aeronautical Services Regulation), along with other senior officers of CAASL.
Mr. Wanniappa has been a part of CAASL since 2003, holding several key positions over the years.
His extensive experience and strategic insight make him well-positioned to guide Sri Lanka’s aviation sector into a new era of progress and innovation.
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