To mark the 80 Years of the International Civil Aviation Day 2024
The aviation industry has evolved globally within a regulatory framework established by the Chicago Convention in 1944. This convention laid the foundation for the creation of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which has played a crucial role in ensuring that air travel is safe, efficient, and well-regulated. The anniversary of ICAO marks a significant milestone, celebrating 80 years of promoting international civil aviation standards.
Sri Lanka recently commemorated both the 80th anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Civil Aviation Day. The event proudly welcomed the Hon. Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Eng. Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku, enhancing its significance and promise for future advancements. The celebration took place at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka and was organized by the Civil Aviation Promotion Unit of the Authority.
The event was attended by several distinguished figures, including:
- Senior Professor Kapila C.K. Perera, Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Aviation
- Mr. Sunil Jayaratne, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka
- Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sagara Kotakadenya, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority
- Key officials from various aviation organizations, aviation companies, schoolchildren, and industry stakeholders
Several key highlights from the event included:
- Proposal to Include Aviation in School Curricula
A significant proposal has been put forward to incorporate aviation-related topics into school curricula, highlighting the importance of civil aviation and its associated subjects. This initiative aims to inspire the younger generation and educate them about the crucial role aviation plays in the global economy and national development. The proposal was officially presented by Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sagara Kotakadenya, the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority, to Dr. S.A. Darshana Samaraweera, the Deputy Director General of the National Institute of Education, and Ms. Sureka Siriwardhana, the Director of the Extra Curricula Department at the Ministry of Education.
- Recognition of Senior Aviation Professional
The event also featured the recognition of Lionel Siriwannan, a 105-year-old veteran and Sri Lanka's second radio communication officer in civil aviation. His significant contributions to the aviation sector were honored with a special award presented by Hon. Minister Engineer Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku
3. Award Ceremony for the National Aviation Art Competition
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the winners of the National Aviation Art Competition, themed "The Future of Aviation Through Our Eyes." The competition featured four categories: Junior School, Senior School, Higher Education, and Open, and saw widespread participation from schoolchildren throughout the country. The awards were presented by the Hon. Minister, Engineer Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku, along with other senior officials.
As part of the event, top-performing students were awarded valuable prizes, including scholarships to the Sri Lankan Aviation Training School, which offers courses related to the aviation industry.
4. Launch of the Latest Edition of the "Guwansara Magazine”
The latest issue of the Guwansara magazine, themed around the 80th anniversary of the Chicago Convention and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), was launched during the event. This magazine serves as an important communication tool for promoting civil aviation in Sri Lanka. The magazine was presented to the Honorable Minister Engineer Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku by the magazine's Chief Editor, Mr. Nilanth Tennakoon.
5.Recognition of Voluntary Contributions
Several organizations and individuals were acknowledged for their support in promoting civil aviation awareness and educational programs. The Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance (Department of Public Enterprises), Lake House, Sri Lanka Insurance, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, Government Information, Bank of Ceylon, Srilankan Airlines, Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, Srilankan Catering, Srilankan Aviation Collage, and other key stakeholders were honored for their contributions to this effort.
The 80th anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the celebration of International Civil Aviation Day mark an important milestone for Sri Lanka, highlighting the nation's dedication to the advancement of aviation. This event promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, industry professionals, and educational institutions. Additionally, Sri Lanka is engaging younger generations through initiatives like an aviation art competition and the incorporation of aviation-related topics into school curricula, fostering interest and awareness in the field.
