On 14 July 2025, civil aviation authorities from the Asia-Pacific region officially launched the “Reference Materials for Regulators to Facilitate the Regulation of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Operations” during the 2nd Meeting of Asia-Pacific Regulators on AAM, held as part of the High-Level Aviation Week in Singapore.
This marks a significant milestone as the Asia-Pacific becomes the first region where regulators have collaboratively developed a unified set of reference materials. These guidelines are intended to help national regulators prepare for and facilitate the safe and effective integration of air taxis and drones into commercial airspace.
The materials are designed to be adaptable and will be regularly updated in response to emerging technologies and operational developments. The group also plans to submit the Reference Materials to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for consideration as a global reference.
Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Acting Director General of Civil Aviation, represented Sri Lanka at this important regional meeting.
Find out more here: https://www.caas.gov.sg/.../asia-pacific-region-adopts.../
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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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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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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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