The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has successfully conducted the second water aerodrome licensing audit at the Castlereigh Reservoir prior to issue the water aerodrome license, as per the requirements of Sri Lanka water aerodrome regulations.
In a key development for domestic aviation and tourism, Cinnamon Air a subsidiary of the John Keells Group carried out a successful test flight on 18th October using its Cessna 208 Amphibian aircraft, operating from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to Castlereigh Reservoir.
This initiative is a significant step forward in promoting regional air mobility and air taxi services, offering fast, scenic, and efficient travel options for both local and international travelers.
Under the guidance of the Ministry of Ports & Civil Aviation, CAASL initiated licensing of all water aerodromes in the country to ensure safe and secure air travel between main airports and inland water bodies which is a popular transport mode among tourists and business communities.
Under the guidance of Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation & CEO, with the support of Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman, CAASL initiated the water aerodrome licensing process and to complete six more licensing audits by end of next year.
The inspection carried by Civil Aviation inspectors under the guidance of Mr. Rangana Samanpriya, Director (Aerodromes) of CAASL.
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Mr. Burak Karali , General Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives of Turkish Airlines, recently paid a courtesy visit to Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO) of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).
During the meeting, they discussed Turkish Airlines' current operations and future plans concerning Sri Lanka. Mr. Burak highlighted that Sri Lanka is a key destination in their network, and the airline is keen to increase flight frequencies to Colombo.
Capt. Rambukwella welcomed the initiative and emphasized the strategic potential of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), offering attractive concessions and untapped market opportunities. The Turkish Airlines team responded positively, assuring that the proposal will be considered favorably.
Mr. Sajith Amarasekara, Sales Manager of Turkish Airlines, also participated in the meeting, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Sri Lanka.
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At the invitation of Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Hon. Eng. Janith Ruwan Kodituwakku, Deputy Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports & Civil Aviation, together with Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), met with the Secretary General at ICAO Headquarters in Montreal, Canada, during the 42nd ICAO Assembly.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Sri Lanka and ICAO, in line with ICAO’s strategic priorities of ensuring safe and secure aviation operations, advancing environmental sustainability, and enabling seamless, accessible, and efficient global air transport.
Key highlights of the discussions included:
- Sri Lanka’s plans to appoint a voluntary Ambassador based in Canada to represent the country at ICAO Headquarters in Montreal.
- Establishing an official Sri Lankan presence at ICAO HQ with dedicated office space, similar to other Member States.
- Sri Lanka’s intention to contest for a seat on the ICAO Council at the next election in three years.
- Strengthening technical cooperation and capacity-building opportunities for Sri Lanka’s aviation sector through ICAO-led training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
- Supporting capacity building in Sri Lanka with the vision of developing the country as a training hub in South Asia, by creating opportunities to train aviation professionals from across the region.
- Supplying international experts through ICAO to conduct specialized training programs, workshops, and seminars to uplift professional standards in aviation.
- Assisting major aviation projects in Sri Lanka, including air navigation systems, airport development, training facility construction, and other infrastructure initiatives, through the Capacity Development and Implementation Bureau (CDI), covering project management, procurement, feasibility studies, and related technical services.
CAASL and CDI will define priority areas of cooperation once the National Civil Aviation Master Plan of Sri Lanka is approved. CDI is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s modernization of aviation infrastructure, including airports and air navigation facilities. Additionally, the two sides will enhance cooperation in capacity building through customized training needs analysis for Sri Lanka’s aviation sector.
Mr. Salazar commended Sri Lanka for its consistent commitment and valuable contributions as an active ICAO Member State. He specifically appreciated Sri Lanka’s achievement in maintaining the highest safety and security effective implementation scores in South Asia in both ICAO audits, reflecting the country’s robust regulatory oversight. Furthermore, he praised Sri Lanka’s Next Generation Aviation Professionals (NGAP) programme, initiated several years ago, as a model initiative that continues to build a skilled workforce for the future of aviation.
During the meeting, the Secretary General also explained ICAO’s Strategic Planning framework, emphasizing the principle of “no country left behind” and the goal of developing safe, secure, and environmentally sustainable global aviation systems.
The Secretary General formally handed over ICAO’s Strategic Action Plan to the Deputy Minister. Also present was Mr. Tao Ma, Regional Director of the ICAO Asia-Pacific Office in Bangkok, Thailand, who extended an invitation to the Hon. Deputy Minister and the DGCA & CEO of CAASL to visit the ICAO Asia-Pacific Office in Bangkok to initiate the implementation of the plan discussed with the Secretary General.
With the steady increase in tourist arrivals and the continued growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, DGCA and CEO of CAASL, expressed his strong belief that Sri Lanka’s civil aviation sector will continue to expand, evolve, and play a pivotal role in supporting national development and regional connectivity.
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Mr. W.W.S. Mangala, a Special Grade Officer of the Sri Lanka Planning Service, has been appointed as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation.
With a strong background in public administration and strategic planning, his leadership is expected to play a key role in advancing Sri Lanka’s aviation and port sectors, driving forward national development goals and infrastructure improvements.
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Capt. Daminda Rambukwella officially assumed duties as the Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) on 10th September 2025.
A ceremony was held to mark this significant occasion in the presence of Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman of CAASL, Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Deputy Director General (Air Transport & Security Regulation), Mr. M. A. K. Prasanna, Deputy Director General (Aeronautical Services Regulation) along with other senior officers of CAASL.
Prior to this appointment, Capt. Rambukwella served as the Deputy Director General (Flight Safety Regulation) and Acting Director of Aircraft Operations at CAASL, where he demonstrated exemplary leadership, sound decision-making, and strong administrative capabilities. He began his career at CAASL as a Flight Operations Inspector (Aircraft Flight Operations).
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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