පුවත් සංග්‍රහ

CAASL organized a vibrant one-day aviation awareness program...

මාර්තු 12 2026

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) proudly organized...

විශේෂ නිවේදනයයි.

මාර්තු 10 2026

ශ්‍රි ලංකාවේ සිට රෝමය බලා පිටත් වු ශ්‍රී ලංකන් ගුවන්...

 

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has appointed ‍few key appointments that had been vacant for a longer period.

The appointment letters were awarded on 26th February 2026 at the office of the Chairman of CAASL, under the patronage of Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman of CAASL, and Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer. The newly appointed officials include the Deputy Director General (Flight Safety Regulation), Deputy Director General (Corporate Management), Director (Aviation Security), and Senior Civil Aviation Inspector (Aircraft Operations).

CAASL, as the regulatory body for Civil Aviation in Sri Lanka govern under the Ministry of Ports & Civil Aviation, conducted this process under the guidance of Mr. Anura Karunathilaka, Hon. Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation; Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku, Hon. Deputy Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation; and Mr. W. W. S. Mangala, Secretary to the Ministry of Ports & Civil Aviation through a qulified interview panel under the government approved Scheme of Recruitment (SOR).

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Asia-Pacific Regional Director’s Visit to Sri Lanka

On 13th February, a significant meeting was held at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), chaired by Mr. Tao Ma, Regional Director of ICAO’s Asia and Pacific Region. The event was attended by Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman of CAASL, Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation, along with industry stakeholders and CAASL staff.

Key highlights of the event included:

  • Presentation of appreciation awards by the ICAO Regional Director to former Directors General of Civil Aviation for their outstanding contributions.
  • Formal appointment and issuance of letters to newly designated ICAO Global Champions and Ambassadors by the Regional Director.

The primary objectives of this State visit are to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance multi-dimensional cooperation between the ICAO Asia Pacific Regional Office and Sri Lanka, and support preparations for the upcoming ICAO audit focused on Sri Lanka.

For the first time, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) is set to introduce a licensing system for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators engaged in commercial and professional activities.
 
Under the guidance of Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO), CAASL has already issued standard drone regulations under IS-53. These regulations form the foundation for the new UAS pilot licensing framework.
 
UAS operators seeking a pilot license will be required to sit for a theory examination followed by a practical assessment, which includes a live demonstration of operational competency. Applicants are also required to complete a medical examination and obtain the necessary security clearance.
 
Accordingly, the evaluation process for the issuance of the first UA pilot license was conducted by Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, DGCA & CEO. Mr. Praveen Wijesinghe, Civil Aviation Inspector (Unmanned Aircraft Systems), successfully completed the practical demonstration at CAASL after passing the theory examination.
 
All UAS used for commercial purposes are required to be registered with CAASL under the current regulatory framework. As the National Aviation Authority, CAASL is responsible for overseeing both manned aircraft operations and unmanned aircraft systems, including drones.
 
With many countries increasingly adopting UAS technology across various sectors, CAASL aims to foster a new operational culture within the drone industry in Sri Lanka.
 
Upon implementation of the UAS pilot licensing system, Sri Lanka will become the second country in South Asia to introduce such a licensing framework, following India.
 
This initiative is expected to act as a catalyst for national economic growth by connecting and supporting multiple industries across Sri Lanka.

Mr. Tao Ma, Regional Director for Asia & the Pacific of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake on the night of 12th February 2026 for a State visit. This visit follows an invitation extended by Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO), during the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal, Canada, and a recent meeting held at the ICAO Asia Pacific Regional Office in Bangkok, Thailand with Deputy Minister Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku.

Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, along with Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Deputy Director General (Air Transport & Security Regulation), warmly welcomed Mr. Tao Ma and his diplomatic delegation.

The visit aims to reinforce the outcomes of the high-level meeting held during the 42nd ICAO Assembly, which involved Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO Secretary General; the Regional Director of ICAO Asia Pacific; the Hon. Deputy Minister, and the DGCA & CEO.

Key objectives of the State visit include strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing multifaceted cooperation between the ICAO Asia Pacific Regional Office and Sri Lanka, and supporting preparations for the upcoming ICAO audit targeting Sri Lanka.

On 13th February 2026, the Regional Director will attend a meeting at the CAASL auditorium, joined by Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman of CAASL; Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, DGCA & CEO, along with stakeholders and CAASL staff.

During this visit, Mr. Tao Ma, The Regional Director of ICAO Asia Pacific Regional Office is expected to hold bilateral discussions with Mr. Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation, Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku, Deputy Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation, and Mr. W. W. S. Mangala, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports & Civil Aviation.

 

 

 

 
The Civil Aviation Sports & Welfare Association (CASWA) of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) organized a heartfelt event to commemorate Christmas 2025, embracing the spirit of unity, gratitude, and compassion during these challenging times.
 
A special address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Aruna Clement, Katana Chirch, who shared an inspiring message of hope and resilience.
 
As part of its welfare initiatives, financial assistance was extended to CASWA members whose homes and properties were impacted by Cyclone Ditwah and the recent flooding.
 
In recognition of academic achievements, gifts were presented to students of CAASL staff who excelled in the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination 2025 and G.C.E. (O/L). Additionally, gift vouchers were offered to all children of CASWA members.
The Organizing Committee also arranged lunch for all CAASL staff, including the supporting staff, as a gesture of appreciation and togetherness.
 
While CASWA traditionally hosts a festive celebration with carols, this year’s celebrations were respectfully cancelled due to the national situation and the widespread impact of Cyclone Ditwah.
 
The event was organized by the CASWA Executive Committee, under the guidance of Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Chairman of CASWA and Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO).
 
The occasion was graced by Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chief Patron of CASWA and Chairman of CAASL, Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Chairman of CASWA and DGCA & CEO and members of CASWA.