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The Aeronautical Authorities of Sri Lanka and United Arab Emirates met recently to enhance the Bilateral Air Services Relationship between the two friendly states. The primary objective of these discussions was to update the existing air service arrangements between the two nations, aligning it with the evolving trends in the global aviation arena. This update aims to enhance and optimize air transport operations between the UAE and Sri Lanka.

 

The UAE delegation consisted of 23 officials and was headed by Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority of the UAE. It also included the UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E. Mr. Khaled Nasser Al Ameri and officials from the Civil Aviation Authorities of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The Airlines represented from the UAE were Etihad, Fly Dubai, Emirates, and Air Arabia.

 

The Sri Lanka team was led by Mr. K. D. S. Ruwanchandra, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation. The Sri Lankan team also comprised of Mr. P. A. Jayakantha, Director General / Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa -Actg. Deputy Director General from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka. Also part of the delegation were representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General's Department. The Airline members were from SriLankan Airlines and Fits Air.

 

Air Services arrangements hold significant importance in a country's foreign policy and play a crucial role in fostering the growth of Sri Lanka's aviation industry immensely benefitting the national economy. This expansion of the Air Services Arrangement between UAE and Sri Lanka will augur well for Sri Lanka’s Aviation industry in the years to come.

 

The newly appointed Executive Committee members of the Sri Lanka Association of Airlines Representatives (SLAAR) called on Mr. P. A. Jayakantha, the Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO) on 18th August 2023 at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.

They discussed the current and future airline operations in Sri Lanka and the Officials exchanged their views with DGCA & CEO.

DGCA appreciated the commitment of local representatives towards the betterment of the aviation industry in Sri Lanka in the past and looked forward to their continuous commitment.

Led by Mr. Srimath Fernando as its current president, SLAAR, is an industry association that represents over 35 foreign airlines in the Country that consists of General Sales Agents in the online and offline airlines involved in passenger and cargo business.

SLAAR pledged its commitment towards the betterment of Sri Lanka’s Aviation Industry and shared their plans for the upcoming year.

Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Actg. Deputy Director General (Corporate Affairs & Economic Regulations), Mr. Ishara Gunawardena, Manager (Air Services & Traffic Rights) from the CAASL were also present at the meeting.

[Colombo, 17-07-2023] – The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) successfully organized 'Sri Lanka Aviation Day' event on July 14th, 2023, at the Auditorium of the CAASL.

The Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker was the Hon.Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Ports, Shipping Aviation. Mr.Phillip Goh - Regional Vice President of IATA, Mr. K D S Ruwanchandra – Secretary, Minister of Ports, Shipping & Aviation were the other senior dignitaries present along with senior officials from the Airlines, Airport and the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.

The aviation industry has confronted unprecedented challenges in recent times due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The resultant decline in air travel worldwide necessitated a collective effort to rebuild and revitalize the aviation sector. Recognizing this need, 'Sri Lanka Aviation Day' aimed to position the aviation industry for growth and facilitate a vibrant future.

This knowledge sharing event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the challenges faced by the aviation industry and identify opportunities for recovery and sustainable growth. The event provided a unique platform for participants to engage in panel discussions, listen to keynote speeches, analyze case studies, and network with fellow professionals. There were 4 panel discussions conducted throughout the day with the participation of both local and foreign speakers & Moderators sharing insights, strategies, and best practices to foster recovery and strengthen the aviation sector in Sri Lanka. The panels were:

Session 1: Navigating the challenges of air travel in a post-pandemic world.

Session 2: Sustainable Aviation in Sri Lanka.

Session 3: Smart airport development and its impact on the air transport industry.

Session 4: Sharing Aviation Safety Information.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed partner, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), whose invaluable expertise and insights ensured the event's relevance and impact. Their collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka was instrumental in making 'Sri Lanka Aviation Day' a resounding success.

The event's success could not have been achieved without the active participation and support of industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders who attended the event. Their commitment and dedication to rebuilding the aviation industry in Sri Lanka is commendable.

The low Cost Airliner (LCA) will operate scheduled direct flights to Colombo, qualifying itself with the Sri Lanka Civil Aviation technical and operational requirements and meeting with the international safety standards, Passenger comfort etc.

The Government of Sri Lanka encourages more and more foreign airlines to operate to and from Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation is responsible for results oriented products through the Civil Aviation authority.

Inspectorate of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), led by Mr. Saman Gunawwerdena, Deputy Director General (Flight Safety Regulations) comprehensively scrutinized the airliner’s technical and operational qualifications and having been satisfied, given its green light for issuance of Foreign Aircraft Operator certificate   (FAOC).

Accordingly, the Director General of Civil Aviation Sri Lanka, Mr. P A Jayakantha issued the FAOC to the Abu - Dhabi based low cost airliner (LCA), Air Arabia.

The FAOC was presented to the airliner’s Accountable Manager and Sales Manager, Mr. Shibin Nazeem, at the Civil Aviation Authority Head Office recently. Mr. Saman Gunawardena together with Air Arabia’s head of Operations, Mr. Chathuranga Colombage too was associated with the FAOC presentation ceremony.

 

 

Mr. Philip Goh, the Regional Vice President of International Air Transport Association and his delegation paid a courtesy call on Mr. P. A. Jayakantha, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.


The IATA delegates are in town to participate at the ‘Sri Lanka Aviation Day’ hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) in collaboration with IATA on 14th July 2023 at the Auditorium of the CAASL.


The aviation industry has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a significant decrease in global air travel. Despite these challenges, there is now a sense of hope and determination to revive and expand the aviation sector as countries recover from the pandemic. In the light of this, 'Sri Lanka Aviation Day' will focus on rebuilding and developing the aviation industry in order to facilitate its growth.


Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Actg. Deputy Director General (Cooperate Affairs & Economic Regulation), Mr. Vinoop Goel, Regional Director Operations, Safety and Security, Mr. Azhar Azahari, Regional Manager (South Asia), Mr Albert Ttjoeng, Head of Corporate Communication and Mr. Buddika Hewawasam, Country Manager of IATA-Sri Lanka were also present at this meeting.