ICAO – the International Civil Aviation Organization, a specialized agency of the UN at its 5th council meeting, 224 session has designated 20th day of February as the international day to commemorate the aircraft accident victims and their families.
In line with the ICAO declaration, Sri Lanka being one of its member states has established the commemoration day beginning February’22 at a simple ceremony organized by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).
The Civil Aviation Authority is the statutory body that regulates and oversees all aspects of civil aviation within the territory of Sri Lanka and air space above it, established by an Act of Parliament (Act No.34 of 2002).
On 1st December’21, at the first ever international symposium on assistance to aircraft accident victims and their families, The Secretary General of ICAO Salazar, during his key note address observed that ‘Aviation Safety is an incredible team effort and the same co-operation must be directed towards ensuring the rights of accident victims and their families in the aftermath of these tragic events’.
During the first commemorative event conducted in Sri Lanka, Capt. Themiya Abeywickrama, Director General of Civil Aviation said that “in addition to the implementation of International Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS) on assistance to the aircraft accident victims and their families which is a MUST, and that CAASL looking beyond boundaries to enhance legislations and regulations for fulfillment of victims with what they deserve to further improve care and treatment.
CAASL has organized a series of commemorative events to increase awareness of consequences on people who suffer from aircraft accidents and their families, the significance of extending required respect for victims and obligation to understand the mental, physical and spiritual well-being of their families.
Henceforth Sri Lanka will make 20th day of February a commemorative day for aircraft accident victims and their families.
