Mr. Sheldon Hee, Regional Vice President (Asia Pacific) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), paid a courtesy call on Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer, at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).
The discussions focused on the current state of Sri Lanka’s aviation industry, which has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years particularly due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and explored emerging opportunities for airline growth and recovery.
Mr. Hee commended Sri Lanka for its steadfast commitment and valuable contributions to fostering a seamless air transport sector, highlighting the importance of collective efforts to rebuild and strengthen the aviation industry.
During the meeting, the DGCA & CEO and the IATA Regional Vice President signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) related to the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). The IOSA program is a globally recognized safety and quality standard that assesses an airline's operational management and control systems. Established in 2003, it aims to enhance airline safety, streamline auditing processes, and improve operational efficiency. Airlines are typically re-evaluated every two years to maintain IOSA registration.
Also present at the meeting were Mr. Buddika Hewawasam, the Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Beareu & the Country Manager of IATA Sri Lanka, Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Deputy Director General (Air Transport & Security Regulation) and Mr. Azhar Azahari, Regional Manager (South Asia) of IATA.
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Four international airlines recently granted Foreign Air Operator Certificates (FAOC) by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) have commenced direct air services to Sri Lanka over the past two days.
Accordingly, Belavia Airlines, the national carrier of Belarus, launched its inaugural flights from Minsk, while Kuwait Airways from Kuwait, Edelweiss from Zurich, and Red Wings Airlines from Russia resumed their scheduled services to Sri Lanka’s main international airports, Bandaranaike International Airport Katunayake and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.
The applications submitted by these airlines were thoroughly evaluated by the Civil Aviation Inspectors of CAASL. The assessment included a comprehensive review of each airline’s organizational structure, availability of qualified personnel, operational equipment, and all required facilities and documentation.
The initial certification process for Belavia Airlines and the renewal of FAOCs for Kuwait Airways, Edelweiss, and Red Wings Airlines were conducted under the leadership of Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer.
These new and renewed air connections are expected to significantly boost Sri Lanka’s tourism industry by strengthening its global aviation network.
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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. W. W. S. Mangala, the newly appointed Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation, paid an inaugaral visit to the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) along with the Hon. Deputy Minister Ports & Civil Aviation Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku on 23rd October 2025.
He was welcomed by Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman of the CAASL, and by Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer.
During the visit, he addressed the Higher Management of the CAASL along with other senior officials.
CAASL looks forward to work closely with the new Secretary to advance Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Sector.
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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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