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.