පුවත් සංග්‍රහ

Hingurakgoda Domestic Airport to be upgraded for internation...

අප්‍රේල් 05 2024

The government has decided to modernize the Hingurakgoda Domestic Airport,...

Aeroflot & Rossiya continue their summer operations to S...

අප්‍රේල් 04 2024

The representatives of Maldiviana Aviation (Private) Limited, GSA (General Sales...

The government has decided to modernize the Hingurakgoda Domestic Airport, an antiquated airport in Sri Lanka, to facilitate international flight operations. This airport, originally constructed for the Royal Air Force of England during World War II, was known as RAF Minneriya at the time.

Under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the current government aims to transform this centrally located airport into an international airport  to bolster the country's economy. As part of this initiative, the 2024 budget includes a financial allocation of 2 billion rupees to commence initial construction and development activities.

With this funding, the first phase of development will focus on extending the existing 2287-meter-long and 46-meter-wide runway to 2500 meters. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation emphasizes that upon completion of these enhancements, the runway will be capable of accommodating Airbus A320 and Boeing B737 aircraft. The total Project Cost is 17 billions rupees.

In order to assess existing challenges and conduct a feasibility study to guide the development efforts at Hingurakgoda Airport, Mr. Nimal Siripala de Silva, the Hon.Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, conducted a special inspection at the airport on April 4th, 2024.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation – Mr.K.D.S.Ruwanchandra,  Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force – Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Acting Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority – Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd., - Mr. Athula Galketiya,  Director, Civil Aviation Services Authority – Air Vice Marshal Sagara Kotakadeniya and several officials were also present at the occasion.

In the discussion, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said: Through the modernization of this airport, we hope to transform it into an international airport in the future, for which the President has given 02 billion rupees in the budget of 2023 to start the construction. Accordingly, every year to come  Higurakgoda is working to provide funds from the budget for the construction of the airport.

 Explaining further, the minister said: Our ultimate goal is to operate Mattala, Katunayake, Ratmalana and Palali airports as well as Higurakgoda airport as a civil airport.

 Therefore, he asked for the support of all parties to make this development project a success.

Source - Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Aviation.

The representatives of Maldiviana Aviation (Private) Limited, GSA (General Sales Agent) for Aeroflot Russian Airlines & Rossiya Airlines, made a courtesy call on AVM Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd.), the Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO) on 02nd April 2024 at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.

The discussions revolved around the Airline’s new business opportunities and the DGCA & CEO positively welcomed their proposals. The Representatives were very keen on the suggestions and agreed to look into them favorably.

Ms. Padma Beddewela, Operation Director/ Accountable Manager of Maldiviana Aviation (Private) Limited , was also present at the meeting and she specially mentioned that both airlines have identified Sri Lanka as an important aspect of their operation and wish to continue direct operations from Russia to Colombo.

Ms Viktoria Smirnova, Mr Aleksandr Chermiuk, Mr Praneeth Fernando & Mr Nimal Maussawa were present on this occasion representing the Maldiviana Aviation (Private) Limited.

 

 

Mr. Florian Guillermet assumed duties as the Executive Director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) from April 1, 2024 following his selection by the EASA Management Board on December 13, 2023.

Mr. Guillermet succeeds Mr.Luc Tytgat, who led the Agency as Acting Executive Director for the last seven months. Mr. Tytgat will remain with the Agency in a senior leadership role until August, supporting Mr. Guillermet through the transition period. Mr. Tytgat was in Sri Lanka for EASA’s International Cooperation Forum successfully hosted jointly by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka and EASA from 19th to 21st of March 2024.

Mr. Guillermet brings extensive leadership experience from various organizations in the aviation sector. He has worked in aviation for 26 years, including top level management posts in France and in European Union aviation organizations.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka wishes Mr. Florian Guillermet for a successful tenure as the Executive Director of EASA.

About the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka:

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) is the national aviation regulatory authority in Sri Lanka, responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and efficiency of civil aviation operations within the country. Established under the Civil Aviation Act No. 14 of 2010, the CAASL oversees various aspects of aviation, including licensing, airworthiness, airport operations, air navigation services, and aviation security. Committed to upholding international standards and best practices, the CAASL works collaboratively with domestic and international stakeholders to promote safe and sustainable aviation development in Sri Lanka. For more information, please visit www.caa.lk.

 

Mr.Simon James Mone, Aerodromes and Ground Aids Expert for COSCAP-SA was on mission to review the ICAO Protocol Question in the field of Aerodromes and Ground Aids (AGA) for future USOAP CMA audits.

A mission debrief was conducted by AGA Expert to DGCA, DDG-ATSR , Director Aerodromes and  his team on 22nd March and the report was handed over to DGCA along with the Action plan prepared to improve the effective implementation of ICAO Standards at Sri Lankan Aerodromes and the regulatory framework.

Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) and the European Safety Agency (EASA) successfully organized the 08th International Cooperation Forum (ICF) from 19th to 21st of March 2024 at the Hilton, Colombo in first time.

There were over 100 foreign & local participants from the European Union, Africa, Asia Pacific and from other parts of the world involved in Aviation.

Mr. Luc Tytgat Acting Director EASA & Ms. Maria Nieves Director- Strategy & Safety Management opened the Forum along with Mr. G. S. Withanage, Chairman of CAASL, Mr. D. W. S. Narangoda, Vice Chairman of CAASL,   Air vice Marshal Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd.) the Director General of Civil Aviation, Ms. Awanthi Senarathna, Vice Chairman of Airport & Aviation Service (Sri Lanka) Limited, Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Deputy Director General Air Transport & Security Regulations from Sri Lanka.

The ICF, which was first held in 2008, is an international platform for aviation authorities and regional organizations interested in regional cooperation and the EASA system. It provides an opportunity to share experiences and best practices, discussing the latest developments in safety and environmental standards, and promotion of safe and sustainable aviation worldwide.

 

 

Air vice Marshal H. M. S. K. B. Kotakadeniya (Retd) assumed duties as the Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive officer on 14th March 2024 at the of Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).

This appointment comes in the wake of the retirement of the former Director General of Civil Aviation.

A ceremony to mark this significant occasion took place in the presence of Mr. K D S Ruwanchandra the Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Aviation, Mr. G. S. Withanage Chairman of CAASL, Mr. D W S Narangoda Vice Chairman of CAASL, Capt. Milinda Rathnayake Board of Director of CAASL, Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa Deputy Director General of CAASL and other Senior Officers of CAASL were presented this occation.

The official appointment letter was presented recently by Hon. Nimal Siripala Silva, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, and has received the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers.

 Prior to assuming the role of Director General of Civil Aviation, AVM H M S K B Kotakadeniya (Retd) served as a Board Director of CAASL since 12 August 2022. His extensive experience and strategic vision make him well-suited to lead the aviation sector into a new Era of growth and development of the aviation industry in Sri Lanka.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka welcomes the appointment of Air vice Marshal H. M. S. K. B. Kotakadeniya (Retd) as the new Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer. This appointment comes in the wake of the retirement of the former Director General of Civil Aiation.

The official appointment letter was presented (13th March) by Hon. Nimal Siripala Silva, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, and has received the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers.

A ceremony to mark this significant occasion took place in the presence of the Secretary to the Ministry, Mr. K D S Ruwanchandra.

Prior to assuming the role of Director General of Civil Aviation, AVM H M S K B Kotakadeniya (Retd) served as a Board Director of CAASL since 12 August 2022. His extensive experience and strategic vision make him well-suited to lead the aviation sector into a new Era of growth and development of the aviation industry in Sri Lanka.

 

 

 

We are happy to announce that the Hungary charter Airline “Smartwings” has obtained Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC) on 09th February 2024 from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL). 

The airline is operating direct flights from Budapest, Hungary to Colombo using Boeing 737 aircraft.

Mr. P. A. Jayakantha, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer of CAASL awarded the FAOC to Mr. Gerard Victoria who is the Chief Executive Officer of Hayleys Aviation which is the General Sales Agent of Smart Wings Airlines.

Capt. Warna Ariyadasa, Director – Aircraft Operations, Mr. Dhanushka Gunasinghe - Civil Aviation Inspector of the CAASL and Mr. Heshan Perera & Mr. Sasidharan Kumarasamy from Local Agent participated for this occasion.

 

Aircraft Accident Investigation - Advanced Course with On-the-Job sessions held from 16th Jan to 24th Jan 2024 at CAASL.

The training was offered by COSCAP-SA, and the instructor was Mr. Ismo Aaltonen, an Aviation Accident Investigation Expert.

There were 27 participants, including members from AAIB- Pakistan, AAII pool of Sri Lanka, CAASL and representatives from the industry.

 

The inauguration ceremony of Centralized and Regional Air Navigation Services in Europe workshop was held on 29th January 2024 at the auditorium of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).

50 participants in total attended the workshop from Bangladesh, Bhuthan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

During the workshop deliberations will cover various critical aspects of the air navigation sector for supporting South Asian Regional Corporation in Air Traffic Management/ Air Navigation Services (ATM/ANS) implementation by providing insights into European centralized and common ATM/ANS services and infrastructure.

Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Ports, Shipping & Aviation was the chief guest at the occasion. Mr. G S Withanage, Chairman of CAASL, Eng. Athula Galketiya, Chairman of Airport Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL), Mr. P. A. Jayakantha, Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Damitha Narangoda, Vice Chairman of CAASL, Mr. Carlos Menendez, EU-SA APP II Project Manager, the directors of CAASL & AASL, Heads of Divisions of CAASL, and other Senior Officials of CAASL were present at the ceremony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Malta charter Airline “SkyUp MT Limited” & Moldova charter Airline “Fly One” have obtained their Foreign Air Operator Certificates (FAOC) recently from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).

Mr. P. A. Jayakantha, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO) awarded the FAOCs to Mr. Thilak Weerasinghe who is the Chairman of LSR as the Local Agent for both airlines.

Initially SkyUp MT Limited is planning to operate five flights per week, and  Fly One is planning to operate one flight per week to Mattala Airport. Boeing 737 aircraft will be used for the operations.

Mr. Thilan Kularathna, Senior Civil Aviation Inspector, Mr. Dhanushka Gunasinghe, Civil Aviation Inspector of the CAASL and Mr. Lalithra Pallegamgoda from Local Agent were also present on this occasion.

Rosssiya Airlines received the Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC) recently from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) after satisfying the necessary technical and operational requirements in line with the government policy to offer more pathways for foreign airlines to operate flights in to Sri Lanka.

The FAOC was handed over by Mr. P. A. Jayakantha, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO) to Mr. Nikita Dolgov, Head of Planning and Operations of Rossiya Airlines.

Initially the airline is planning to 04 direct flights from Moscow, utilizing Boeing 777 aircraft.

Mr. Thilan Kularathna, Senior Civil Aviation Inspector & Mr. Dhanushka Gunasinghe, Civil Aviation Inspector of the CAASL, Ms. Padma Beddewela, & Ms. Sameena Thissera from Local Agent of Rossiya Airlines were also present on this occasion.

 

 

 

   

 

 

ශ්‍රී ලංකා සිවිල් ගුවන් සේවා ආරක්ෂක කටයුතු ජාත්‍යන්තර සිවිල් ගුවන් සේවා ප්‍රමිතීන්ට අනුකූලව පවත්වාගෙන යනු වස් සිවිල් ගුවන් සේවා අධ්‍යක්ෂක ජනරාල් හා ප්‍රධාන විධායක නිලධාරී  පී.ඒ. ජයකාන්ත මැතිතුමාගේ ඉල්ලීම මත එක්සත් රාජධානියේ ලියාපදිංචි, ඇමරිකා එක්සත් ජනපදයේ මුදල් ප්‍රතිපාදන මත දැනට ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ කටයුතු කරන මයින්ස්  අඩ්වයිසරි ගෘරූප් ආයතනය මගින් ජාත්‍යන්තර ප්‍රමිතීන්ට අනුව නිෂ්පාදනය කරන ලද අවි ගබඩා කිරීමේ කැබිනට්ටු දෙකක් (02) සිවිල් ගුවන් සේවා අධිකාරිය වෙත 14.12.2023 දින පරිත්‍යාග කරන ලදී.

මෙම අවි ගබඩා කිරීමේ කැබිනට්ටු දෙක (02) සිවිල් ගුවන් සේවා  අධ්‍යක්ෂක ජනරාල් හා ප්‍රධාන විධායක නිලධාරී පී.ඒ. ජයකාන්ත මහතා  විසින් ගුවන් තොටුපොල හා ගුවන් සේවා සමාගමේ සභාපති අතුල ගල්කැටිය මහතා වෙත හා බණ්ඩාරනායක ජාත්‍යන්තර ගුවන් තොටුපොලට අනුයුක්ත ශ්‍රී ලංකා ගුවන් හමුදා කඳවුරේ අණදෙන නිලධාරී ජී.එස්.එන්. ප්‍රියදර්ශන මහතා වෙත 15.12.2023 දින සිවිල් ගුවන් සේවා අධිකාරියේදී නිල වශයෙන් ලිඛිතව භාරදෙන ලදී.

මෙම අවි ගබඩා කිරීමේ කැබිනට්ටු දෙක (02) බණ්ඩාරනායක ජාත්‍යන්තර ගුවන් තොටුපොලේ අධිඅරක්ෂිත කලාපය තුල සිවිල් ගුවන් සේවා ආරක්ෂක කටයුතු සදහා භාවිතා කරන අවි ආයුධ ගබඩා කිරීම සදහා යොදා ගන්නා ලෙස සිවිල් ගුවන් සේවා  අධ්‍යක්ෂක ජනරාල් හා ප්‍රධාන විධායක නිලධාරීතුමා විසින් උපදෙස් ලබා දෙන ලදි.

 

The Australian Government gifted 12 laptop computers installed with CASTRA X-Ray tutor software, assisting Sri Lanka’s civil aviation to upgrade the existing system towards Computer Based Training (CBT) which will enhance training and certification process of aviation security Screeners & Managers.

These capacity building technical assistance were handed over by the Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Paul Stephens at a simple ceremony held at the “Australia House” in Colombo.

The Director General of Civil Aviation Sri Lanka, P. A. Jayakantha, and officials from Government of Australia Michael Burke, the 01st Assistant Secretary of Department of Home Affairs, Chris Alexiou, Counsellor (Transport), Department of Home Affairs and officials representing Sri Lanka’s aviation industry too were present at this occasion.

Major General (Rtd.) G A Chandrasiri, Chairman of Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited, Damitha Narangoda, Vice Chairman, Civil Aviation Authority, Bandula Weragama, Group Head of Aviation Security,  SriLankan Airlines together Aviation Security Inspectorate associated with the gifting ceremony.

Director General of Civil Aviation Sri Lanka, Paying a tribute to the Government of Australia and its Nations for coming out with various humanitarian assistance when Sri Lanka was most needed, apart from Civil Aviation Security Capacity enhancement. 

In the year 2021, have gifted three (03) Explosive Trace Detectors and provided operator training for 150 numbers of personnel in categories of AVSEC Screeners and Managers. Sri Lanka aviation industry is the beneficiary of Australia’s continued support towards the ICAO Global Aviation Security Programme (GASP) to become a reality.

The Explosive Detectors has strengthen Sri Lanka’s capacity for explosive trace detection capability at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Sri Lanka & Australia diplomatic relationship which began in 1957, now embarked on its 76th year. 

The 58th Conference of the Directors General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of ICAO Asia and Pacific Regions began at Dhaka, Bangladesh on 15th October through 19th with approximately the 350 delegates, representing 47 countries and 13 international organizations related to Civil Aviation.

The conference is being attended by Directors General of States in Asia-Pacific Regions, as well as official guests including ICAO President Salvatore Saquitano, Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar, Regional Director Tao Ma and a team from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Transportation and Security Administration (TSA).

During the conference deliberating will cover various critical aspects of the aviation sector, including aviation safety & security, facilitation, air navigation, air transport development, environmental disaster prevention, capacity building, Next Generation Aviation Professional’s (NGAP) and their practical implementations.

The event focused to formulate the recommendations to enhance the region's aviation landscape. The Director General of Civil Aviation, Sri Lanka, Mr. P A Jayakantha too in attendance at this conference. He is also the Moderator for Aviation Security & Facilitation discussions.  

Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, The Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) presiding over the conference as the taking over Chairman.

Sri Lanka had hosted the 53rd DGCA Conference in the year 2016 with the President of Sri Lanka attended.

 

Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa assumes the role of Deputy Director General (Air Transport and Security Regulation) at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, effective Thursday, September 7.

Rayhan Wanniappa, an Attorney-at-Law, boasts an extensive career spanning two decades, encompassing both private legal practice and tenures at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.

He possesses a broad spectrum of expertise in aviation legislation, the negotiation of bilateral agreements, the formulation of Air Transport Policies, and the management of industry affairs.

With an impressive track record, he has represented Sri Lanka in nearly 200 inter-governmental bilateral air services negotiations, including pivotal contributions to the ICAO Conferences on Air Services Negotiations (ICAN) and negotiations with the European Union. His efforts have successfully secured and expanded traffic rights for Sri Lanka, both domestically and internationally.

Among his notable accomplishments, he orchestrated the ICAN Conference in 2017, presided over the COSCAP-South Asia Steering Committee meeting in 2022, and played a pivotal role in the inaugural Sri Lanka Aviation Day on July 14, 2023, all hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.

Notably, he has been a key representative of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka at several prominent international organizations, including the International Civil Aviation Organization in Montreal and the International Labour Organization in Geneva.

In a significant international engagement, he formed part of the Sri Lanka delegation that attended the Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization in Montreal, Canada, a gathering featuring the participation of nearly 170 states.

His academic achievements include an Advanced Master's degree in Air Transport Management, earned at the French National School of Civil Aviation, where he stood as the representative of his graduating class.

Furthermore, he has served as a visiting lecturer in Commercial and Air Law at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University in Ratmalana. He frequently addresses aviation professionals and students on a variety of topics related to the aviation industry.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Wanniappa is an enthusiastic Toastmaster, frequently delivering speeches at various training programs. His diverse interests extend to travel, sports, and music.

 

 

The Aeronautical Authorities of Sri Lanka and United Arab Emirates met recently to enhance the Bilateral Air Services Relationship between the two friendly states. The primary objective of these discussions was to update the existing air service arrangements between the two nations, aligning it with the evolving trends in the global aviation arena. This update aims to enhance and optimize air transport operations between the UAE and Sri Lanka.

 

The UAE delegation consisted of 23 officials and was headed by Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority of the UAE. It also included the UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E. Mr. Khaled Nasser Al Ameri and officials from the Civil Aviation Authorities of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The Airlines represented from the UAE were Etihad, Fly Dubai, Emirates, and Air Arabia.

 

The Sri Lanka team was led by Mr. K. D. S. Ruwanchandra, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation. The Sri Lankan team also comprised of Mr. P. A. Jayakantha, Director General / Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa -Actg. Deputy Director General from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka. Also part of the delegation were representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General's Department. The Airline members were from SriLankan Airlines and Fits Air.

 

Air Services arrangements hold significant importance in a country's foreign policy and play a crucial role in fostering the growth of Sri Lanka's aviation industry immensely benefitting the national economy. This expansion of the Air Services Arrangement between UAE and Sri Lanka will augur well for Sri Lanka’s Aviation industry in the years to come.

 

The newly appointed Executive Committee members of the Sri Lanka Association of Airlines Representatives (SLAAR) called on Mr. P. A. Jayakantha, the Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO) on 18th August 2023 at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.

They discussed the current and future airline operations in Sri Lanka and the Officials exchanged their views with DGCA & CEO.

DGCA appreciated the commitment of local representatives towards the betterment of the aviation industry in Sri Lanka in the past and looked forward to their continuous commitment.

Led by Mr. Srimath Fernando as its current president, SLAAR, is an industry association that represents over 35 foreign airlines in the Country that consists of General Sales Agents in the online and offline airlines involved in passenger and cargo business.

SLAAR pledged its commitment towards the betterment of Sri Lanka’s Aviation Industry and shared their plans for the upcoming year.

Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Actg. Deputy Director General (Corporate Affairs & Economic Regulations), Mr. Ishara Gunawardena, Manager (Air Services & Traffic Rights) from the CAASL were also present at the meeting.

The low Cost Airliner (LCA) will operate scheduled direct flights to Colombo, qualifying itself with the Sri Lanka Civil Aviation technical and operational requirements and meeting with the international safety standards, Passenger comfort etc.

The Government of Sri Lanka encourages more and more foreign airlines to operate to and from Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation is responsible for results oriented products through the Civil Aviation authority.

Inspectorate of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), led by Mr. Saman Gunawwerdena, Deputy Director General (Flight Safety Regulations) comprehensively scrutinized the airliner’s technical and operational qualifications and having been satisfied, given its green light for issuance of Foreign Aircraft Operator certificate   (FAOC).

Accordingly, the Director General of Civil Aviation Sri Lanka, Mr. P A Jayakantha issued the FAOC to the Abu - Dhabi based low cost airliner (LCA), Air Arabia.

The FAOC was presented to the airliner’s Accountable Manager and Sales Manager, Mr. Shibin Nazeem, at the Civil Aviation Authority Head Office recently. Mr. Saman Gunawardena together with Air Arabia’s head of Operations, Mr. Chathuranga Colombage too was associated with the FAOC presentation ceremony.

 

[Colombo, 17-07-2023] – The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) successfully organized 'Sri Lanka Aviation Day' event on July 14th, 2023, at the Auditorium of the CAASL.

The Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker was the Hon.Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Ports, Shipping Aviation. Mr.Phillip Goh - Regional Vice President of IATA, Mr. K D S Ruwanchandra – Secretary, Minister of Ports, Shipping & Aviation were the other senior dignitaries present along with senior officials from the Airlines, Airport and the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.

The aviation industry has confronted unprecedented challenges in recent times due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The resultant decline in air travel worldwide necessitated a collective effort to rebuild and revitalize the aviation sector. Recognizing this need, 'Sri Lanka Aviation Day' aimed to position the aviation industry for growth and facilitate a vibrant future.

This knowledge sharing event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the challenges faced by the aviation industry and identify opportunities for recovery and sustainable growth. The event provided a unique platform for participants to engage in panel discussions, listen to keynote speeches, analyze case studies, and network with fellow professionals. There were 4 panel discussions conducted throughout the day with the participation of both local and foreign speakers & Moderators sharing insights, strategies, and best practices to foster recovery and strengthen the aviation sector in Sri Lanka. The panels were:

Session 1: Navigating the challenges of air travel in a post-pandemic world.

Session 2: Sustainable Aviation in Sri Lanka.

Session 3: Smart airport development and its impact on the air transport industry.

Session 4: Sharing Aviation Safety Information.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed partner, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), whose invaluable expertise and insights ensured the event's relevance and impact. Their collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka was instrumental in making 'Sri Lanka Aviation Day' a resounding success.

The event's success could not have been achieved without the active participation and support of industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders who attended the event. Their commitment and dedication to rebuilding the aviation industry in Sri Lanka is commendable.