Organized by the Civil Aviation Promotion Unit of CAASL, the program began with a thought-provoking panel discussion at the CAASL Auditorium, followed by an educational field visit to Bandaranaike International Airport—offering students valuable real-world exposure to key aviation operations.
The expert panel featured distinguished leaders from Sri Lanka’s aviation and tourism sectors:
- Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa – Acting Director General & CEO, CAASL
- Capt. Daminda Rambukwella – Deputy Director General (Air Safety Regulation), CAASL
- Mr. Indunil Wijekoon – Regional Manager, SriLankan Airlines
- Mr. Sampath Nishshanka – Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB)
- Mr. Shalutha R. Rathnayake – Airport Manager, Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd.
- Session Moderator: Mr. Ishara Gunawerdena – Manager, Air Transport & Traffic Rights, CAASL
Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman of CAASL, Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, The Director General (Acting) of Civil Aviation and senior officials of CAASL attended for the certificate awarding ceremony.
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Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa officially assumed duties as the Acting Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) on 03rd July 2025, following the retirement of the former DGCA.
A ceremony was held to mark this significant occasion in the presence of Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman of CAASL, Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Deputy Director General (Air Safety Regulation), Mr. M. A. K. Prasanna, Deputy Director General (Aeronautical Services Regulation), along with other senior officers of CAASL.
Mr. Wanniappa has been a part of CAASL since 2003, holding several key positions over the years.
His extensive experience and strategic insight make him well-positioned to guide Sri Lanka’s aviation sector into a new era of progress and innovation.
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The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) proudly announces the appointment of Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa as the Acting Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer.
This appointment follows the retirement of AVM Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd.), former DGCA & CEO.
Mr. Wanniappa has been serving the Civil Aviation Authority since 2003 in various key capacities. With over two decades of experience and a deep understanding of the sector, his leadership is expected to drive continued growth and development within Sri Lanka’s aviation industry.
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We sincerely thank you for the yeoman service rendered to the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka as the Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer, and in all your previous roles since 2023.
Your dedication and leadership have been truly commendable. Wishing you success, fulfillment, and good health in all your future endeavors during your retirement
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David Peiris Aviation (Pvt) Ltd, a newly established domestic airline and a subsidiary of the David Peiris Group, has officially received its Aircraft Operator Certificate (AOC) and operations specifications (Ops-Specs) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) to operate scheduled domestic passenger flights after obtaining the Airline License.
As part of the certification process, the airline recently conducted a proving flight to demonstrate its operational readiness and capability for launching commercial services on the Colombo–Jaffna route. This flight marked the fourth phase of the AOC certification process as a critical step in assessing an operator’s capability prior to final authorization.
Following a successful evaluation, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) authorized that the David Peiris Aviation to commence regular schedule flights, Charter Flights, Private Flights and Aerial Works subjected to full compliance with all applicable aviation safety and security regulations.
The application and inspection process were thoroughly reviewed by CAASL’s Civil Aviation Inspectors, under the guidance of Air Vice Marshal Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd.), DGCA & CEO, and the leadership of Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Deputy Director General (Flight Safety Regulations) and Actg. Director (Air Operations). The comprehensive inspection covered flight safety standards, airworthiness of aircraft, organizational structure, qualified personnel as post holders, operational readiness ground handling and security arrangements, and compliance with documentation requirements.
The AOC was officially handed over to AVM O. D. N. L. Perera (Retd.), Accountable Manager of David Peiris Aviation (Pvt) Ltd by AVM Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd.), DGCA & CEO. Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Deputy Director General (Flight Safety Regulations) and Actg. Director (Air Operations), Mr. Mahilal Dushantha Rathnayake, Director (Aircraft Registration & Airworthiness), and other senior officials from David Peiris Aviation also attend to this event.
All aviation service providers including AOC holders are reminded to uphold the highest standards of air safety and security and operate strictly within the approved regulatory Framework for a sustainable development in Civil Aviation in Sri Lanka.
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