Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa assumes the role of Deputy Director General (Air Transport and Security Regulation) at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, effective Thursday, September 7.

Rayhan Wanniappa, an Attorney-at-Law, boasts an extensive career spanning two decades, encompassing both private legal practice and tenures at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.

He possesses a broad spectrum of expertise in aviation legislation, the negotiation of bilateral agreements, the formulation of Air Transport Policies, and the management of industry affairs.

With an impressive track record, he has represented Sri Lanka in nearly 200 inter-governmental bilateral air services negotiations, including pivotal contributions to the ICAO Conferences on Air Services Negotiations (ICAN) and negotiations with the European Union. His efforts have successfully secured and expanded traffic rights for Sri Lanka, both domestically and internationally.

Among his notable accomplishments, he orchestrated the ICAN Conference in 2017, presided over the COSCAP-South Asia Steering Committee meeting in 2022, and played a pivotal role in the inaugural Sri Lanka Aviation Day on July 14, 2023, all hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.

Notably, he has been a key representative of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka at several prominent international organizations, including the International Civil Aviation Organization in Montreal and the International Labour Organization in Geneva.

In a significant international engagement, he formed part of the Sri Lanka delegation that attended the Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization in Montreal, Canada, a gathering featuring the participation of nearly 170 states.

His academic achievements include an Advanced Master's degree in Air Transport Management, earned at the French National School of Civil Aviation, where he stood as the representative of his graduating class.

Furthermore, he has served as a visiting lecturer in Commercial and Air Law at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University in Ratmalana. He frequently addresses aviation professionals and students on a variety of topics related to the aviation industry.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Wanniappa is an enthusiastic Toastmaster, frequently delivering speeches at various training programs. His diverse interests extend to travel, sports, and music.