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ICAO Regional Director Arrives in Sri Lanka

ICAO Regional Director Arrives in Sri Lanka

13 February 2026

Mr. Tao Ma, Regional Director for Asia & the Pacific...

CAASL to Introduce Licensing System for Drone Pilots

CAASL to Introduce Licensing System for Drone Pilots

23 January 2026

For the first time, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri...

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.

 

 

 

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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.
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The Government of the United Arab Emirates has deployed an aircraft carrying essential food supplies and relief equipment to support ongoing humanitarian flood assistance efforts in Sri Lanka.

A, C-17 Globemaster aircraft of the UAE Air Force landed at Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake today, delivering much-needed aid.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), under the guidance of Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO), swiftly facilitated the necessary clearances for the arrival of the relief flight.

The humanitarian mission was officially welcomed by Dr. Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon. Aruna Karunathilaka, Minister of Ports & Aviation, Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku, Deputy Minister of Ports & Aviation, Mr. Khaled Nasser Al Ameri, UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, DGCA & CEO, Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) Harsha Abeywickrama, Chairman of Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL), along with senior officials from the Embassy of the UAE, Sri Lanka Air Force, SriLankan Airlines, and AASL.

This mission underscores the strong bilateral cooperation and friendship between the two nations during challenging times.

Additional UAE relief aircraft are expected to arrive within the week.

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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.
 
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All drone operators both commercial and recreational are hereby advised to strictly refrain from operating drones in areas where helicopter operations are taking place, especially during this disastrous period when extensive search, rescue, and relief operations are being carried out across affected areas.
 
Drone operators engaged in search and rescue (SAR) or other aerial activities are further reminded to give way to all manned aircraft at all times to ensure the safety and efficiency of ongoing emergency flight operations.
 
Your utmost cooperation during this critical time is essential to support national emergency response efforts and to maintain the safety and integrity of Sri Lanka’s airspace.
 
Director General of Civil Aviation
Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka
 
 
Details
  1. Successful Conduct of Regulatory Development Workshop by EU-APP-SA at CAASL
  2. Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director GeneraDGCA visited BIA to assess operational responses amidst the ongoing adverse weather conditions affecting the country.
  3. Sri Lanka Strengthens Ties with ICAO at Dubai Air Show 2025
  4. CAASL re-opened office at Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana

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