Sri Lankan Aviation History
- Details
2022.10.12 - National Carrier, SriLankan Airlines Limited has qualified to obtain the Ground Handling License for providing the ground handling services at Sri Lanka airports for first time.
The Ground Handling Department of SriLankan Airlines was certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) to provide line maintenance facilities at BIA after full filling the necessary requirements.
2022.09.27 - Lakwin Aviation (Pvt) Ltd was certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) to provide domestic commercial civil passenger & cargo transport services after full filling the necessary requirements.
2022.08.30 - The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Hashem Ashjazadeh called on the Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) Mr. Upul Dharmadasa on 30th August 2022 at the CAASL.
2022.08.23 - The Royal Thailand Ambassador in Sri Lanka, recently gifted a consignment of chemical protective clothing (CPC) to the Director General of Civil Aviation Authority for use by the civil aviation community who conduct preventive measures against the chemical hazards, commonly known as the last line of defense for chemical safety.
2022.08.05 - Hon Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Ports, Shipping & Aviation visits CAASL & awarded the appointment letter to DGCA & CEO.
2022.08.01 - Mr. P. A. Jayakantha was appointed as the new Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), this appointment was made consequent to a decision by the Cabinet of Ministers with the concurrence of the President, at its meeting held on 1st August’22.
2022.06.01 - Mr. Upul Dharmadasa, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), met the Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar at the ICAO Headquarters in Montreal Canada ( 01st June 2022).
2022.04.06 - Mr. Murat Bayder, the General Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives of Turkish Airlines had a courtesy discussion with Capt. Themiya Abeywickrama the Director General of Civil Aviation at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (06th April 2022)
2022.03.21 - Certificates Awarding Ceremony of Safety Management Systems (SMS) Managers’ Course conducted by Boeing.
2022.03.02 - Civil Air Transport Wing of Sri Lanka Air Force, Helitours was certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) to provide domestic civil passenger & cargo transport facilities after full filling the necessary requirements recently. (02nd March 2022).
2022.02.20 - Sri Lanka commemorated aircraft accident victims and their families.
2022.02.08 - The Vice President of Ground Operations of Kuwait based carrier Jazeera Airways, Mr. Naser F. Al-Obaid made a courtesy call on the Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO) Capt. Themiya Abeywickrama at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.
2021.12.27 - Sakurai airlines PA-38 aircraft made crash landing at Kimbulapitiya & CAA inspectors conducted an inspection.
2021.12.09 - CAASL celebrates 75th International Civil Aviation Day.
2021.10.27 - The Regional Manager for South Asia of Jazeera Airways Ms. Romana Parvi paid a courtesy call on the Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer Capt. Themiya Abeywickrama.
2021.10.14 - The new District Sales Manager – Sri Lanka Maldives of Oman Airlines Ms. Najma Alnaamani made a courtesy call on the Director General of Civil Aviation Capt. Themiya Abeywickrama. It was her first visit to the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.
2021.09.24 - The second phase of the EU- South Asia Aviation Partnership Project II launched its Kick-Off meeting on 24th September 2021 with the participation of the heads of Aviation Authorities of all 7 States in the Region.
2021.08.31 - SriLankan Airlines resumes Moscow operations.
2021.08.05 - DGCA & CEO visits Ceylon Aeronautical Services MRO facility at Koggala.
2021.08.01 - The Civil Aviation Training Centre -Sri Lanka, the training division of AASL was rebranded as the “Sri Lanka Airport & Aviation Academy” at a ceremony held on 03rd of August 2021 at the institution’s premises at Ratmalana.
2021.05.11 - Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) rolled out the second dose of COVID-19 vaccination program for its staff in co-ordination with the Sri Lanka Health Authorities.
2021.05.04 - Civil Aviation Inspectors conducted a special inspection for non-schedule aircraft operated to Mattala Airport.
2021.04.22 - CAASL officials visits Most Senior Radio Officer, Mr. D L Sirimanne.
2021.04.06 - CAASL officials visits Most Senior Pilot, Capt. Shelton Gunawerdena.
2021.03.16 - Chinese Government has donated over stock of essential medical aid and supplies to Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka to be used for the prevention of spread of COVID-19.
2021.02.21 - Appreciation of in house security staff for immediate action to prevent fire in CAASL exam unit.
2021.01.13 - The Air Dog Unit at SLAF Base Katunayake held a Passing Out Parade on 13 January 2021 for the newly inducted Air Dogs of the Unit. Air Dogs are included to the inventory of Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.
2021.01.07 - The Chairman Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Upul Dharmadasa handing over the letter of appointment of Additional Director General to Mr. P A Jayakantha, flanked by Capt. Themiya Abeywickrama, DGCA & CEO, Vice Chairman, Mr. Amitha Wijesuriya, Actg. DDG (Corporate Affairs) Mr. Rehan Wanniyappa and Director HR & Property Management Ms. Shermila Magamamudali.
2018.03.25- Opening of Batticaloa Airport for Civil Aviation Operation
The commencement of the Batticaloa Development project planned for an extension and overlay to the existing runway, fixing of runway lights and construction of a new terminal building as well as the apron; the area where aircraft are parked. As the Batticaloa runway is locked at either ends between the lagoon, it could not be extended beyond 1,560 meters, which is adequate for operation of 60 seater aircraft. Runway expansion work was done initially by the Road Development Authority (60%) and the balance part was completed by Sri Lanka Air Force. The total budget allocated for the reconstruction of the runway, apron and terminal building which is Rs.1,400 million was borne by the General Treasury.
Vesting of Ratmalana and Bandaranaike International Airports in the CAASL
2018.03.29 :Opening of the CAASL Head Office Building at Katunayake
Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation declared open the Head office building of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka at 1000hrs on 29th March 2018 at 152/1, Minwangoda Road, Katunayake in the presence of Mr.Ashok Abeyasinghe, Deputy Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mr.G.S.Withanage, Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation at the invitation of Mr. Ananda Wimalasena, Chairman and Mr. H.M.C.Nimalsiri, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka. The building was constructed by the State Engineering Corporation at the cost of Rs.803 million, which was wholly financed by the CAASL own funds.
Decorated building for over-night pirith chanting ceremony is seen below
The very first building in which Department of Civil Aviation commenced work in 1946 with its establishment.
06.01.2017 : Commencement of resurfacing programme of the BIA runway by closing it for commercial operations between 0830 hrs and 1630 daily for a continuous period of three months ending on 06.04.2017. Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation launched the work by waving a green flag.
The AASL has selected through approved competitive procurement process the following consultant and contractor for the runway resurfacing with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Project consultant : Joint Venture of Netherlands Airport Consultant (NACO) and Engineering Consultancy Ltd (ECL) for Design Review and Construction Supervision and the Consultant fee : US$ 524,141 + Tax + Rs.28,725,000 + Tax.
Project Contractor: Joint Venture of China National Aero Technology International Engineering Group (CATIC) and Shanghai New Era Airport Design and Research Institute Co. Ltd. of Civil Aviation Authority of China for the runway overlay and associated work in the form of Design and Build contract. Contract amount: US$ 48,600,406 + Tax
Total Cost: The total cost of runway resurfacing is estimated to be Rs.7.2 billion and it will be financed totally by the Airports and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd.
06.04.2017 : Resumption BIA runway operations after completion of the resurfacing programme, as planned. SriLankan A320 Neo brand new aircraft landed after Hon.Minister declared the runway was open for normal operations.
53rd Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation was held in Sri Lanka from 01-05 August 2015, at Hilton Colombo.
| 53rd Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation - Asia and Pacific Region | 01-05 August 2016 |
| Opening of Batticaloa airport after resurfacing by His Excellency the President | |
| Signing of Contract for resurfacing of BIA Runway |
2015.12.14 - Hon. Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation laid the foundation for the construction of CAA Headquarters at Katunayake BIA premises. The estimated cost of the building is Rs.803 million.
2015.01.17 - SriLankan Airlines stopped all commercial operations into and out of Mattala Rajapakse International Airport, Hambantota.
2015.01.25 - Mihin Lanka Ltd suspends all operations into and out of Mattala Rajapakse International Airport.
2015.02.11 - Air China airlines commence four weekly direct flights from Chengdu to Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo using Airbus A330 aircraft .
20.10.2014- Seth Pirith chanting ceremony at Weerawila Bungalow in preparation for official opening
09.06.2014 - Opening of CAA office at MRIA by the Minister of Civil Aviation Hon.Piyankara Jayaratne
22.06.2014 - Ceremonial inauguration of the aviation refueling terminal with fuel hydrant facilities at MRIA by the President, His Execllency Mahinda Rajapakse
| 08.01.2012 | – | Landing of Emirates A380 aircraft at Bandaranaike International Airport |
| 24.05.2012 | – | ICAO conducted an Audit on Aviation Security Oversight capabilities of Sri Lanka |
| 16.10.2012 | – | The first aircraft engaged in flight calibration landed at Mattala International Airport |
| 07.12.2012 | – | Centenary celebration of Aviation in Sri Lanka |
| 2012 | – | Total movement of passengers, cargo and aircraft in and out of Sri Lanka exceeded 6.2 M, 200 metric tons and 43,600 respectively |
| 2011 | – | Total movement of passengers, cargo and aircraft in and out of Sri Lanka exceeded 6,000,000, 200 metric tons and 43,600 respectively |
| 04.02.2011 | – | Civil Aviation Act No.10 of 2010 was enforced |
| 25.04.2011 | – | Laying of foundation stone for the construction of passenger terminal at Mattala airport with capacity 1 million passenger per annum |
| 2010 | – | Total movement of passengers, cargo and aircraft movements in and out of Sri Lanka exceeded 5,000,000, 167 metric tons and 35,000 respectively |
| 06.07.2010 | – | The Government of Sri Lanka bought Emirates stakes in Sri Lankan |
| 24.10.2010 | – | ICAO Audit on Safety Oversight capabilities of Sri Lanka |
| 24.10.2010 | – | ICAO conducted an Audit on the Safety Oversight capabilities of Sri Lanka |
| “SriLankan” Airlines recommenced “Air Taxi” service |
| 20.02.2009 | – | LTTE terrorists attacked the Colombo city by two light aircraft |
| 27.11.2009 | – | Launch of the Project for the construction of international airport at Mattala, Hambantota |
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24.04.2007 – Commencement of commercial flights by Mihin Lanka Ltd
| 27.10.2006 | – | Birth of Mihin Lanka as as a fully State owned Company fully funded by the General Treasury |
| 15.11.2005 | – | Bandaranaike International Airport expansion projects under the Stage 1, PhaseII Expansion Project opened with a pier with eight aero-bridges |
| 30.11.2004 | – | ICAO Audit on Safety Oversight Capabilities of Sri Lanka |
| 2004 | – | Total movement of passengers, cargo and aircraft in and out of Sri Lanka exceeded 4,000,000, 152 metric tons and 30,000 respectively |
| “Sri Lankan” airlines commenced float plane operations as “Air Taxi” to selected water aerodromes around the country |
| 2003 | – | Total movement of passengers, cargo and aircraft movements in and out of Sri Lanka exceeded 3,000,000, 112 metric tons and 22,500 respectively |
| 27.12.2002 | – | Abolition of the Department of Civil Aviation and establishment of Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka under Act No.34 of 2002 |
| 24.01.2001 | – | LTTE infiltrated into the Katunayake Air Force base and destroyed eight military aircraft on the Air Force side and two Airbus A340, one Airbus A330 aircraft and one Airbus 320-200 aircraft |
13.03.2000 – ICAO Audit on Safety Oversight Capabilities of Sri Lanka
24.03.2000 – AN 12 aircraft of “Sky Cabs” airline crashed at Kadirana near Negombo
| 01.04.1998 | – | Emirates took over control of AirLanka under a management agreement of 10years with the Government |
| 29.09.1998 | – | AN-24 aircraft leased by Lion Air flight 602, with 55 persons onboard went missing exactly ten minutes after takeoff from Jaffna Airport |
| 10.02.1997 | – | ICAO conduct an Assessment on the Safety Oversight capabilities of Sri Lanka |
| 14.09.1995 | – | Commissioning of Secondary Mono pulse Surveillance Radar (SSR) at Mount Pidurutalagala |
| 1995 | – | Total movement of passengers, cargo and aircraft in and out of Sri Lanka exceeded 2,000,000, 76 metric tons; and 16,500 respectively |
| 1995 | – | Katunayake International Airport was renamed as Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo |
1994 – Registered airline in Sri Lanka were permitted to commence operations to domestic airports.
| 1993 | – | “Sky Cabs” started international cargo services by using AN12 aircraft and it was the first Sri Lanka registered private airline which commenced international operations |
| 1992 | – | Amendment of the Air Navigation Act for elevation of the Post of Director of Civil Aviation to Director General of Civil Aviation |
| “Air Lanka” added it’s first “Airbus” aircraft to the fleet and registered as “4R –ABA”. It was a A320 aircraft. |
1990 – Liberalization of carriage of air freight
| 03.05.1986 | – | Explosion of Air Lanka TriStar L-1011 aircraft at BIA by the LTTE terrorists killing14 passengers onboard |
| 22.11.1986 | – | Concord, the world’s first supersonic aircraft operated by British Airways landed at Bandaranaike International Airport during its round-the world flight |
| October 1986 | – | Opening of the new runway for commercial operations |
1984 – Commencement of construction of new runway at Katunayake Airport
| 1983 | – | Abolition of the Airports Authority and Appointment of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd., for development, operation and maintenance of civil airports including provision of Air Navigation Services |
| 1982 | – | Total movement of passengers, cargo and aircraft in and out of Sri Lanka exceeded 1,000,000, 50 metric tons and 11,000 respectively |
| 1982 | – | Enactment of Air Navigation (Special Provisions) Act No.2 of 1982 making provisions appointment of Agent |
| 30.06.1982 | – | Alitalia B747 aircraft with 340 passengers, high jacked by Sri Lankan landed at Bangkok International Airport |
| 1980 | – | Enactment of Airports Authority Act No. 46 of 1979 Establishment of Airports Authority for development, operation and maintenance of civil airports |
01.09.1979 – Birth of Air Lanka and its inaugural flight to Bangkok
| 15.11.1978 | – | Icelandic Airlines DC-8 accident at Kimbulapitiya killing 184 out of 264 persons onboard |
| 07.11.1978 | – | Explosion of Air Ceylon HS-748 aircraft by LTTE terrorists at Ratmalana Airport |
| 1976 | – | Commissioning of Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR) at Bandaranaike International Airport in preparation for non-Aligned Nations Conference |
| 04.12.1974 | – | Martin Air DC-8 aircraft accident at Seven Virgin Hills at Maskeliya killing 191 persons onboard |
1972 - Sri Lanka Air Force registered a company called “Helitours” to promote tourism industry
| 11.09.1971 | – | Boeing Jumbo jet (B747) operated by Condor German Airline landed at Colombo International Airport |
15.11.1968 – Opening of the Katunayake Airport for international flights
| 1963 | – | Commencement of development of Katunayake Airport with the financial assistance by the Canadian Government, which includes extension of runway from 1840 metres to 3368 metres and construction of a terminal building with a capacity of 150,000 passengers per year |
1960 – Commencement Upali Air, first domestic airliner in Sri Lanka
1958 – Air Ceylon entered into partnership with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
01.11.1957 – Handing over of Katunayake Royal Airbase to Sri Lanka by the British Government
1955 – Promulgation of Air Navigation Regulations of 1955
| 1951 | – | Incorporation of Air Ceylon with 51% shares owned by the Government and 49% by Australian National Airways |
| 06.11.1950 | – | Opening of Ceylon Air Academy by Prime Minister Hon.D.S.Senanayake |
| 1950 | – | Enactment of Air Navigation Act No.15 of 1950 |
| 1949 | – | Commencement of Air Ceylon flights to London |
| 21.12.1949 | – | Accident of Air Ceylon Douglas Dakota (registered VP-CAT) at Tiruchirapalli Airport with no loss of lives but destroying hull |
| 01.06.1948 | – | Sri Lanka gave accession to Convention on International Civil Aviation and became a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization |
February 1947 – Commencement of air services by Ceylon Airways with three DC-3 aircraft under the Ministry of Communications and Works
10.12.1947 – Inaugural flight of Air Ceylon to Madras after name change from Ceylon Airways
| March 1946 | – | Establishment of Department of Civil Aviation |
| 13.11.1946 | – | Landing of Autocrat aircraft of Mr.J.P.Obeysekara at Ratmalana with 31 intermediate stops after taking off from London |
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| 1945 | - | Commencement of Air Service between Australia and United Kingdom with a stop in Sri Lanka Department of Civil Aviation took over the control of Ratmalana Airport. |
30.03.1943 – Landing of seaplane at Koggala Lagoon
1942 – Royal Air Force took over control of Ratmalana Airport
1939 – Construction of Palavi Airport at Puttlam as an emergency airfield
| 28.02.1938 | – | Formal opening of the Ratmalana Airport by Governor Sir Andrew Caldecott |
| 1938 | – | Appointment of the Director of Public Works as Director of Civil Aviation |
| 28.02.1938 | – | Launch of Air Mail service between Colombo and Mumbai |
1937 – Promulgation of Air Navigation Regulations and Registration of three aircraft in SriLanka
07.08.1935 – First air competition of Colombo Flying Club
| 1934 | – | Establishment of Colombo Flying Club by Sir John Kotalawala |
| 1934 | – | Decision of the State Council to construct an Aerodrome at Ratmalana |
07.05.1931 – Arrival of the first International flight to the Race Course from Mumbai
| 25.12.1912 | – | Bleriot’s first attempt to fly at the Colombo Race Course |
| 07.12.1912 | – | Bleriot performed first successful flight at the Race Course |
12.09.1911 – Arrival of Bleriot aircraft in Sri Lanka in a ship
