To mark the 80 Years of the International Civil Aviation Day 2024
The aviation industry has evolved globally within a regulatory framework established by the Chicago Convention in 1944. This convention laid the foundation for the creation of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which has played a crucial role in ensuring that air travel is safe, efficient, and well-regulated. The anniversary of ICAO marks a significant milestone, celebrating 80 years of promoting international civil aviation standards.
Sri Lanka recently commemorated both the 80th anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Civil Aviation Day. The event proudly welcomed the Hon. Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Eng. Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku, enhancing its significance and promise for future advancements. The celebration took place at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka and was organized by the Civil Aviation Promotion Unit of the Authority.
The event was attended by several distinguished figures, including:
- Senior Professor Kapila C.K. Perera, Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Aviation
- Mr. Sunil Jayaratne, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka
- Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sagara Kotakadenya, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority
- Key officials from various aviation organizations, aviation companies, schoolchildren, and industry stakeholders
Several key highlights from the event included:
- Proposal to Include Aviation in School Curricula
A significant proposal has been put forward to incorporate aviation-related topics into school curricula, highlighting the importance of civil aviation and its associated subjects. This initiative aims to inspire the younger generation and educate them about the crucial role aviation plays in the global economy and national development. The proposal was officially presented by Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sagara Kotakadenya, the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority, to Dr. S.A. Darshana Samaraweera, the Deputy Director General of the National Institute of Education, and Ms. Sureka Siriwardhana, the Director of the Extra Curricula Department at the Ministry of Education.
- Recognition of Senior Aviation Professional
The event also featured the recognition of Lionel Siriwannan, a 105-year-old veteran and Sri Lanka's second radio communication officer in civil aviation. His significant contributions to the aviation sector were honored with a special award presented by Hon. Minister Engineer Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku
3. Award Ceremony for the National Aviation Art Competition
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the winners of the National Aviation Art Competition, themed "The Future of Aviation Through Our Eyes." The competition featured four categories: Junior School, Senior School, Higher Education, and Open, and saw widespread participation from schoolchildren throughout the country. The awards were presented by the Hon. Minister, Engineer Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku, along with other senior officials.
As part of the event, top-performing students were awarded valuable prizes, including scholarships to the Sri Lankan Aviation Training School, which offers courses related to the aviation industry.
4. Launch of the Latest Edition of the "Guwansara Magazine”
The latest issue of the Guwansara magazine, themed around the 80th anniversary of the Chicago Convention and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), was launched during the event. This magazine serves as an important communication tool for promoting civil aviation in Sri Lanka. The magazine was presented to the Honorable Minister Engineer Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku by the magazine's Chief Editor, Mr. Nilanth Tennakoon.
5.Recognition of Voluntary Contributions
Several organizations and individuals were acknowledged for their support in promoting civil aviation awareness and educational programs. The Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance (Department of Public Enterprises), Lake House, Sri Lanka Insurance, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, Government Information, Bank of Ceylon, Srilankan Airlines, Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, Srilankan Catering, Srilankan Aviation Collage, and other key stakeholders were honored for their contributions to this effort.
The 80th anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the celebration of International Civil Aviation Day mark an important milestone for Sri Lanka, highlighting the nation's dedication to the advancement of aviation. This event promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, industry professionals, and educational institutions. Additionally, Sri Lanka is engaging younger generations through initiatives like an aviation art competition and the incorporation of aviation-related topics into school curricula, fostering interest and awareness in the field.
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The 59th Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the ICAO Asia and Pacific Regions was successfully held in Cebu, Philippines, from 14th to 18th October 2024 with the participation of approximately 310 number of delegates from 37 countries and 11 international organizations related to civil aviation.
Directors General from Asia-Pacific States, along with distinguished guests, including ICAO President Salvatore Sciacchitano, Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO Regional Director, and representatives from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), International Air Transport Association (IATA), Transport Canada, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) attended to this high level conference.
Discussions during the conference addressed critical issues in the aviation sector, including Aviation Safety and Security, Facilitation, Air Navigation, Air Transport Development, Disaster Prevention, Environmental considerations, Capacity Building, focusing on practical implementations.
The conference aimed to develop recommendations to enhance the APAC region’s aviation landscape. The Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, AVM Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd.), participated in the event as the main delegate from the State and moderated a high-level panel discussion on the "Economic Development of Air Transport." He also held discussions with regional delegations on strengthening bilateral aviation cooperation, training, and capacity building.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has chaired the 59th Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation. Remarkably, Sri Lanka previously hosted the 53rd DGCA Conference in the year 2016, with the President of Sri Lanka in attendance.
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The second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation successfully held in New Delhi, India from 11 – 12 September 2024, following the offer made at the first Ministerial Conference in Beijing, China, in 2018.
The conference focused on addressing key challengers such as infrastructure develo
The second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation successfully held in New Delhi, India from 11 – 12 September 2024, following the offer made at the first Ministerial Conference in Beijing, China, in 2018.
The conference focused on addressing key challengers such as infrastructure development, sustainability, and workforce development, while fostering greater collaboration between the public and private sector.
Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano, the president of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council and Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, the ICAO secretary General had been attended to this conference.
Representing Sri Lanka, AVM Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd.), the Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer led the delegation and delivered the statement of Sri Lanka’s commitment on development of civil Aviation on behalf of the Minister of Ports, Shipping & Civil Aviation. Ms. Avanthi Senarathne, the Vice Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited attended as a member of the SriLankan delegation.
Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narajdra Modi grace this occasion as chief guest and during this conference he officially announced “Delhi Declaration” by all member states in Asia Pacific.
This conference and the adoption of the “Delhi Declaration” represent a significant step forward in advancing safety, security and sustainability in the Asia Pacific civil aviation sector and highlights the spirit of corporation that exists among the countries of this region.
The event jointly organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and ICAO had bring together Transport and Aviation Ministers, Regulators Bodies and industry experts from across the Asia Pacific region.
The President of ICAO said that the Asia Pacific was among the fastest growing market in the world.
“We are expecting 4.5 billion passengers in this year, which will growth on 11.5 billion passengers in 2050. Asia Pacific is a beacon of this growth.” He added.
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Katunayake, 14th August 2024 — The 8th National Air Transport Facilitation Committee (NATFC) Meeting convened today at the Kokila Auditorium, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Katunayake. Chaired by Mr. Ruwanchandra, the Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, this pivotal meeting underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to enhancing its aviation sector through coordinated efforts in facilitation.
The NATFC is a collaborative platform bringing together departments, agencies, and organizations across Sri Lanka, all of which have a stake in the international civil aviation landscape. The primary goal of the NATFC is to take necessary policy-level decisions to achieve the objectives established under the National Air Transport Facilitation Program (NATFP).
Facilitation has emerged as a cornerstone of global aviation, recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as a critical factor on par with safety and security. Reflecting this importance, ICAO has designated 2024 as the "Year of Facilitation." The relevance of facilitation was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery period, where streamlined processes were crucial in maintaining the flow of international air traffic.
Facilitation involves a comprehensive set of measures and the effective use of human and material resources to enhance and streamline the movement of aircraft, crew, passengers, cargo, baggage, mail, and stores through airports. This is done while ensuring strict compliance with both international and national regulations. The members of the NATFC are fully committed to this process, recognizing that a well-coordinated facilitation strategy is key to the efficient and secure operation of Sri Lanka’s airports.
This meeting not only reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s dedication to enhancing its aviation sector but also highlighted the collaborative spirit essential for navigating the challenges and opportunities in the evolving global aviation landscape.
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The 31st Steering Committee Meeting of COSCAP - South Asia (Cooperative Development of Operational Safety and Continuing Airworthiness Program – South Asia), dedicated to advancing civil aviation safety in the region, successfully concluded in Paro, Bhutan from 7th to 9th of May 2024.
During this gathering, AVM Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd.), Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka, assumed leadership as the Chairman for a 2-year term. This pivotal role oversees the annual steering committee meetings, which play a vital role in shaping civil aviation safety initiatives. Mr. Khaqan Murtaza, DGCA of Pakistan, served as the previous Chairman for the past two years.
Established in 1997, COSCAP-SA embarks on its 6th Phase with a steadfast commitment to enhancing safety measures within South Asian civil aviation. Over the years, it has proactively implemented various initiatives to bolster safety standards across the region.
The Steering Committee meeting drew participation not only from member states but also representatives from key stakeholders such as Airbus, Boeing, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), as well as Civil Aviation Authorities from Britain (CAA-UK) and France (DGCA-France).
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The government has decided to modernize the Hingurakgoda Domestic Airport, an antiquated airport in Sri Lanka, to facilitate international flight operations. This airport, originally constructed for the Royal Air Force of England during World War II, was known as RAF Minneriya at the time.
Under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the current government aims to transform this centrally located airport into an international airport to bolster the country's economy. As part of this initiative, the 2024 budget includes a financial allocation of 2 billion rupees to commence initial construction and development activities.
With this funding, the first phase of development will focus on extending the existing 2287-meter-long and 46-meter-wide runway to 2500 meters. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation emphasizes that upon completion of these enhancements, the runway will be capable of accommodating Airbus A320 and Boeing B737 aircraft. The total Project Cost is 17 billions rupees.
In order to assess existing challenges and conduct a feasibility study to guide the development efforts at Hingurakgoda Airport, Mr. Nimal Siripala de Silva, the Hon.Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, conducted a special inspection at the airport on April 4th, 2024.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation – Mr.K.D.S.Ruwanchandra, Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force – Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Acting Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority – Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd., - Mr. Athula Galketiya, Director, Civil Aviation Services Authority – Air Vice Marshal Sagara Kotakadeniya and several officials were also present at the occasion.
In the discussion, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said: Through the modernization of this airport, we hope to transform it into an international airport in the future, for which the President has given 02 billion rupees in the budget of 2023 to start the construction. Accordingly, every year to come Higurakgoda is working to provide funds from the budget for the construction of the airport.
Explaining further, the minister said: Our ultimate goal is to operate Mattala, Katunayake, Ratmalana and Palali airports as well as Higurakgoda airport as a civil airport.
Therefore, he asked for the support of all parties to make this development project a success.
Source - Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Aviation.
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The representatives of Maldiviana Aviation (Private) Limited, GSA (General Sales Agent) for Aeroflot Russian Airlines & Rossiya Airlines, made a courtesy call on AVM Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd.), the Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO) on 02nd April 2024 at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.
The discussions revolved around the Airline’s new business opportunities and the DGCA & CEO positively welcomed their proposals. The Representatives were very keen on the suggestions and agreed to look into them favorably.
Ms. Padma Beddewela, Operation Director/ Accountable Manager of Maldiviana Aviation (Private) Limited , was also present at the meeting and she specially mentioned that both airlines have identified Sri Lanka as an important aspect of their operation and wish to continue direct operations from Russia to Colombo.
Ms Viktoria Smirnova, Mr Aleksandr Chermiuk, Mr Praneeth Fernando & Mr Nimal Maussawa were present on this occasion representing the Maldiviana Aviation (Private) Limited.
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Mr. Florian Guillermet assumed duties as the Executive Director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) from April 1, 2024 following his selection by the EASA Management Board on December 13, 2023.
Mr. Guillermet succeeds Mr.Luc Tytgat, who led the Agency as Acting Executive Director for the last seven months. Mr. Tytgat will remain with the Agency in a senior leadership role until August, supporting Mr. Guillermet through the transition period. Mr. Tytgat was in Sri Lanka for EASA’s International Cooperation Forum successfully hosted jointly by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka and EASA from 19th to 21st of March 2024.
Mr. Guillermet brings extensive leadership experience from various organizations in the aviation sector. He has worked in aviation for 26 years, including top level management posts in France and in European Union aviation organizations.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka wishes Mr. Florian Guillermet for a successful tenure as the Executive Director of EASA.
About the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka:
The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) is the national aviation regulatory authority in Sri Lanka, responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and efficiency of civil aviation operations within the country. Established under the Civil Aviation Act No. 14 of 2010, the CAASL oversees various aspects of aviation, including licensing, airworthiness, airport operations, air navigation services, and aviation security. Committed to upholding international standards and best practices, the CAASL works collaboratively with domestic and international stakeholders to promote safe and sustainable aviation development in Sri Lanka. For more information, please visit www.caa.lk.
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Mr.Simon James Mone, Aerodromes and Ground Aids Expert for COSCAP-SA was on mission to review the ICAO Protocol Question in the field of Aerodromes and Ground Aids (AGA) for future USOAP CMA audits.
A mission debrief was conducted by AGA Expert to DGCA, DDG-ATSR , Director Aerodromes and his team on 22nd March and the report was handed over to DGCA along with the Action plan prepared to improve the effective implementation of ICAO Standards at Sri Lankan Aerodromes and the regulatory framework.
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Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) and the European Safety Agency (EASA) successfully organized the 08th International Cooperation Forum (ICF) from 19th to 21st of March 2024 at the Hilton, Colombo in first time.
There were over 100 foreign & local participants from the European Union, Africa, Asia Pacific and from other parts of the world involved in Aviation.
Mr. Luc Tytgat Acting Director EASA & Ms. Maria Nieves Director- Strategy & Safety Management opened the Forum along with Mr. G. S. Withanage, Chairman of CAASL, Mr. D. W. S. Narangoda, Vice Chairman of CAASL, Air vice Marshal Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd.) the Director General of Civil Aviation, Ms. Awanthi Senarathna, Vice Chairman of Airport & Aviation Service (Sri Lanka) Limited, Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Deputy Director General Air Transport & Security Regulations from Sri Lanka.
The ICF, which was first held in 2008, is an international platform for aviation authorities and regional organizations interested in regional cooperation and the EASA system. It provides an opportunity to share experiences and best practices, discussing the latest developments in safety and environmental standards, and promotion of safe and sustainable aviation worldwide.
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Air vice Marshal H. M. S. K. B. Kotakadeniya (Retd) assumed duties as the Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive officer on 14th March 2024 at the of Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).
This appointment comes in the wake of the retirement of the former Director General of Civil Aviation.
A ceremony to mark this significant occasion took place in the presence of Mr. K D S Ruwanchandra the Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Aviation, Mr. G. S. Withanage Chairman of CAASL, Mr. D W S Narangoda Vice Chairman of CAASL, Capt. Milinda Rathnayake Board of Director of CAASL, Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa Deputy Director General of CAASL and other Senior Officers of CAASL were presented this occation.
The official appointment letter was presented recently by Hon. Nimal Siripala Silva, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, and has received the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Prior to assuming the role of Director General of Civil Aviation, AVM H M S K B Kotakadeniya (Retd) served as a Board Director of CAASL since 12 August 2022. His extensive experience and strategic vision make him well-suited to lead the aviation sector into a new Era of growth and development of the aviation industry in Sri Lanka.
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The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka welcomes the appointment of Air vice Marshal H. M. S. K. B. Kotakadeniya (Retd) as the new Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer. This appointment comes in the wake of the retirement of the former Director General of Civil Aiation.
The official appointment letter was presented (13th March) by Hon. Nimal Siripala Silva, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, and has received the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers.
A ceremony to mark this significant occasion took place in the presence of the Secretary to the Ministry, Mr. K D S Ruwanchandra.
Prior to assuming the role of Director General of Civil Aviation, AVM H M S K B Kotakadeniya (Retd) served as a Board Director of CAASL since 12 August 2022. His extensive experience and strategic vision make him well-suited to lead the aviation sector into a new Era of growth and development of the aviation industry in Sri Lanka.
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We are happy to announce that the Hungary charter Airline “Smartwings” has obtained Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC) on 09th February 2024 from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).
The airline is operating direct flights from Budapest, Hungary to Colombo using Boeing 737 aircraft.
Mr. P. A. Jayakantha, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer of CAASL awarded the FAOC to Mr. Gerard Victoria who is the Chief Executive Officer of Hayleys Aviation which is the General Sales Agent of Smart Wings Airlines.
Capt. Warna Ariyadasa, Director – Aircraft Operations, Mr. Dhanushka Gunasinghe - Civil Aviation Inspector of the CAASL and Mr. Heshan Perera & Mr. Sasidharan Kumarasamy from Local Agent participated for this occasion.
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Aircraft Accident Investigation - Advanced Course with On-the-Job sessions held from 16th Jan to 24th Jan 2024 at CAASL.
The training was offered by COSCAP-SA, and the instructor was Mr. Ismo Aaltonen, an Aviation Accident Investigation Expert.
There were 27 participants, including members from AAIB- Pakistan, AAII pool of Sri Lanka, CAASL and representatives from the industry.
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The inauguration ceremony of Centralized and Regional Air Navigation Services in Europe workshop was held on 29th January 2024 at the auditorium of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).
50 participants in total attended the workshop from Bangladesh, Bhuthan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
During the workshop deliberations will cover various critical aspects of the air navigation sector for supporting South Asian Regional Corporation in Air Traffic Management/ Air Navigation Services (ATM/ANS) implementation by providing insights into European centralized and common ATM/ANS services and infrastructure.
Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Ports, Shipping & Aviation was the chief guest at the occasion. Mr. G S Withanage, Chairman of CAASL, Eng. Athula Galketiya, Chairman of Airport Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL), Mr. P. A. Jayakantha, Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Damitha Narangoda, Vice Chairman of CAASL, Mr. Carlos Menendez, EU-SA APP II Project Manager, the directors of CAASL & AASL, Heads of Divisions of CAASL, and other Senior Officials of CAASL were present at the ceremony.
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Malta charter Airline “SkyUp MT Limited” & Moldova charter Airline “Fly One” have obtained their Foreign Air Operator Certificates (FAOC) recently from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).
Mr. P. A. Jayakantha, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO) awarded the FAOCs to Mr. Thilak Weerasinghe who is the Chairman of LSR as the Local Agent for both airlines.
Initially SkyUp MT Limited is planning to operate five flights per week, and Fly One is planning to operate one flight per week to Mattala Airport. Boeing 737 aircraft will be used for the operations.
Mr. Thilan Kularathna, Senior Civil Aviation Inspector, Mr. Dhanushka Gunasinghe, Civil Aviation Inspector of the CAASL and Mr. Lalithra Pallegamgoda from Local Agent were also present on this occasion.
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Rosssiya Airlines received the Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC) recently from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) after satisfying the necessary technical and operational requirements in line with the government policy to offer more pathways for foreign airlines to operate flights in to Sri Lanka.
The FAOC was handed over by Mr. P. A. Jayakantha, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO) to Mr. Nikita Dolgov, Head of Planning and Operations of Rossiya Airlines.
Initially the airline is planning to 04 direct flights from Moscow, utilizing Boeing 777 aircraft.
Mr. Thilan Kularathna, Senior Civil Aviation Inspector & Mr. Dhanushka Gunasinghe, Civil Aviation Inspector of the CAASL, Ms. Padma Beddewela, & Ms. Sameena Thissera from Local Agent of Rossiya Airlines were also present on this occasion.
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