- விவரங்கள்
Due to the temporary closure of airspace across parts of the Middle East region, flights operating to and from affected destinations have been temporarily suspended by SriLankan Airlines and FitsAir.
Passengers departing from airports in Sri Lanka are kindly advised to contact their respective airline or authorized travel agent prior to leaving for the airport to confirm the status of their flights.
In order to minimize congestion within airport premises during this period, passengers are respectfully requested not to bring visitors to the terminal.
Under the guidance of the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation, and with the leadership of the Hon. Minister, Deputy Minister, Secretary, Capt. Daminda Rambukwella (Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer), contingency arrangements have been coordinated in consultation with relevant stakeholders to facilitate passengers affected by this situation.
Despite these challenging circumstances, every effort is being made to ensure the continuity of airport operations. Your cooperation and understanding are sincerely appreciated.
- விவரங்கள்
It is with great pride that we announce the launch of a comprehensive series of Aviation Awareness Programs for the Northern Province, a significant initiative implemented by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).
This forward-looking programme is designed to educate, inspire, and cultivate sustained interest among the next generation in the diverse and rapidly expanding opportunities within the aviation sector.
The initiative is expected to generate substantial and long term benefits for school students, university undergraduates, and the general public throughout the Northern Province.
Our primary objective is to enhance aviation literacy, foster enthusiasm among young minds, and encourage them to pursue higher education and professional careers in aviation an industry of strategic national importance characterized by innovation, responsibility, safety, and global connectivity.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the distinguished presence of;
- Hon. Anura Karunathilake, Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation
- Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Deputy Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation
- Hon. Nagalingam Vethanayahan, Governor of the Northern Province
- Mr. W. W. S. Mangala, Secretary, Ministry of Ports & Civil Aviation.
- Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman of the CAASL
- Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO)
This programme is implemented under the Next Generation Aviation Professionals Sri Lanka (NGAP-SL) initiative of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, under the guidance of Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, DGCA & CEO, and with the full support and direction of the Ministry of Ports & Civil Aviation.
Notably, the initiative has received formal approval from the Ministry of Education, further strengthening our national commitment to empowering youth through structured knowledge sharing, capacity building, and meaningful career development opportunities.
Through this collective and forward-looking effort, we reaffirm our unwavering dedication to building a knowledgeable, skilled, and aviation-ready generation that will meaningfully contribute to the continued growth, safety, and advancement of Sri Lanka’s aviation industry and its expanding role in regional and global connectivity.
- விவரங்கள்
The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has appointed few key appointments that had been vacant for a longer period.
The appointment letters were awarded on 26th February 2026 at the office of the Chairman of CAASL, under the patronage of Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman of CAASL, and Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer. The newly appointed officials include the Deputy Director General (Flight Safety Regulation), Deputy Director General (Corporate Management), Director (Aviation Security), and Senior Civil Aviation Inspector (Aircraft Operations).
CAASL, as the regulatory body for Civil Aviation in Sri Lanka govern under the Ministry of Ports & Civil Aviation, conducted this process under the guidance of Mr. Anura Karunathilaka, Hon. Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation; Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku, Hon. Deputy Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation; and Mr. W. W. S. Mangala, Secretary to the Ministry of Ports & Civil Aviation through a qulified interview panel under the government approved Scheme of Recruitment (SOR).
- விவரங்கள்
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Asia-Pacific Regional Director’s Visit to Sri Lanka
On 13th February, a significant meeting was held at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), chaired by Mr. Tao Ma, Regional Director of ICAO’s Asia and Pacific Region. The event was attended by Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman of CAASL, Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation, along with industry stakeholders and CAASL staff.
Key highlights of the event included:
- Presentation of appreciation awards by the ICAO Regional Director to former Directors General of Civil Aviation for their outstanding contributions.
- Formal appointment and issuance of letters to newly designated ICAO Global Champions and Ambassadors by the Regional Director.
The primary objectives of this State visit are to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance multi-dimensional cooperation between the ICAO Asia Pacific Regional Office and Sri Lanka, and support preparations for the upcoming ICAO audit focused on Sri Lanka.
- விவரங்கள்
Mr. Tao Ma, Regional Director for Asia & the Pacific of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake on the night of 12th February 2026 for a State visit. This visit follows an invitation extended by Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO), during the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal, Canada, and a recent meeting held at the ICAO Asia Pacific Regional Office in Bangkok, Thailand with Deputy Minister Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku.
Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, along with Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Deputy Director General (Air Transport & Security Regulation), warmly welcomed Mr. Tao Ma and his diplomatic delegation.
The visit aims to reinforce the outcomes of the high-level meeting held during the 42nd ICAO Assembly, which involved Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO Secretary General; the Regional Director of ICAO Asia Pacific; the Hon. Deputy Minister, and the DGCA & CEO.
Key objectives of the State visit include strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing multifaceted cooperation between the ICAO Asia Pacific Regional Office and Sri Lanka, and supporting preparations for the upcoming ICAO audit targeting Sri Lanka.
On 13th February 2026, the Regional Director will attend a meeting at the CAASL auditorium, joined by Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman of CAASL; Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, DGCA & CEO, along with stakeholders and CAASL staff.
During this visit, Mr. Tao Ma, The Regional Director of ICAO Asia Pacific Regional Office is expected to hold bilateral discussions with Mr. Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation, Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku, Deputy Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation, and Mr. W. W. S. Mangala, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports & Civil Aviation.
- விவரங்கள்
- விவரங்கள்
- விவரங்கள்
The Government of the United Arab Emirates has deployed an aircraft carrying essential food supplies and relief equipment to support ongoing humanitarian flood assistance efforts in Sri Lanka.
A, C-17 Globemaster aircraft of the UAE Air Force landed at Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake today, delivering much-needed aid.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), under the guidance of Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO), swiftly facilitated the necessary clearances for the arrival of the relief flight.
The humanitarian mission was officially welcomed by Dr. Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon. Aruna Karunathilaka, Minister of Ports & Aviation, Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku, Deputy Minister of Ports & Aviation, Mr. Khaled Nasser Al Ameri, UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, DGCA & CEO, Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) Harsha Abeywickrama, Chairman of Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL), along with senior officials from the Embassy of the UAE, Sri Lanka Air Force, SriLankan Airlines, and AASL.
This mission underscores the strong bilateral cooperation and friendship between the two nations during challenging times.
Additional UAE relief aircraft are expected to arrive within the week.
- விவரங்கள்
- விவரங்கள்
The Regulatory Development Workshop was successfully conducted recently under the South Asia Aviation Partnership Project of the European Union (EU-APP-SA), hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).
The sessions were facilitated by Capt. Peter Wilczek (OPS/PEL Expert) and Mr. Mihai Voicu (OPS Expert) from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), who provided technical assistance in the implementation of Personnel Licensing and Aircraft Operations regulations.
The workshop brought together industry participants and Civil Aviation Inspectors, focusing on capacity-building and regulatory alignment.
The third phase of the EU Aviation Partnership Project – South Asia, which commenced in June 2025, aims to promote harmonized regulations across the region, enhancing effective safety oversight responsibilities for national regulators.
- விவரங்கள்
- விவரங்கள்
Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), actively participated in the Dubai Air Show 2025 (DAS25) and engaged in productive discussions with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) delegation.
These discussions further reinforced the outcomes of the high-level meeting held during the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal, Canada, between Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General of ICAO, Hon. Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku, Deputy Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation, and DGCA & CEO.
The talks focused on deepening cooperation between Sri Lanka and ICAO, in alignment with ICAO’s strategic priorities:
- Ensuring safe and secure aviation operations,
- Advancing environmental sustainability, and
- Enabling seamless, accessible, and efficient global air transport.
Key discussion outcomes included:
- Partnering with ICAO to position Sri Lanka as a South Asian aviation training hub, leveraging national infrastructure.
- Expanding technical cooperation and capacity-building through ICAO-led programs and knowledge sharing.
- Deploying international experts to deliver targeted training programs, workshops, and seminars to uplift industry standards.
- Supporting aviation development projects in Sri Lanka including air navigation, airport infrastructure, and training facilities through ICAO’s Capacity Development and Implementation Bureau (CDI).
The ICAO delegation comprised Mr. Christian Khouzam (Project Manager, Business Development Unit), Mr. Mekki Lahlou (Resource Mobilization Officer, CDI), and Ms. Sara Kocnim (Data Sales Associate, Business Development Unit).
- விவரங்கள்
The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has officially re-opened its office at Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana (CIAR).
The office will operate every Tuesday, and each day will be staffed by a relevant inspector either from Airworthiness, Aircraft Operations, or Personnel Licensing depending on operational requirements and stakeholder needs.
The reopening took place on 11th November 2025 with the distinguished presence of Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman of CAASL, and Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer.
Also in attendance were Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Deputy Director General Air Transport & Security Regulations, Mr. M. A. K. Prasanna, Deputy Director General Aeronautical Services Regulation, along with senior CAASL officers and stakeholders from AASL, domestic airlines, and aviation training schools.
This initiative, taken in response to stakeholder requests, aims to enhance collaboration, boost operational efficiency, and strengthen engagement between CAASL and industry partners.
- விவரங்கள்
The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) is gearing up to enhance its preparedness and responsiveness for search and rescue (SAR) operations through collaborative capacity-building efforts and improved inter-agency coordination to ensure timely and effective responses to aviation-related emergencies within Sri Lanka’s Search and Rescue Region. As part of this effort, a Joint Search and Rescue (SAR) Workshop was successfully conducted today (03rd November 2025) at the CAASL Auditorium, with a Tabletop Exercise (TTX SAREX) scheduled for 06th November 2025, with the participation of more than 20 stakeholders. This will mark the first event of such scale in Sri Lanka’s aviation history.
Air transportation remains the safest mode of travel globally, with a 2023 accident rate of 1.87 per 1,000,000 flights, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Despite its high safety record, the potential for air accidents cannot be entirely eliminated. ICAO mandates that States must be equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to such eventualities to ensure the safety and rescue of survivors.
After the first National Aeronautical Search and Rescue Committee Meeting (NASCM/01) held on 21st May 2025, CAASL, together with the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), began a joint effort to strengthen Sri Lanka’s search and rescue (SAR) activities.
As part of the National Aeronautical Search and Rescue Plan (NASARP), CAASL is working with many important national agencies such as the Sri Lanka Armed Forces, Police, Disaster Management Centre, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Pvt. Ltd., Department of Meteorology, Immigration and Emigration Department, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Fisheries, Ports Authority, and other related ministries.
This plan helps all these groups work together so they can quickly and effectively respond to emergencies involving local or foreign aircraft within Sri Lanka’s Search and Rescue Region. The workshop and upcoming exercise are organized under the guidance of Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation & CEO & Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman - CAASL and the leadership of Mr. M. A. K. Prasanna, Deputy Director General - Aeronautical Services Regulation, and Mr. Thilina Sri Warnasinghe, Director - Air Navigation Services and seventy (70) representatives from stakeholder organizations actively participated in the event representing the key institutes.
This initiative highlights Sri Lanka’s unwavering commitment to aviation safety and its readiness to protect lives both in the skies and at sea.
- விவரங்கள்
Mr. Sheldon Hee, Regional Vice President (Asia Pacific) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), paid a courtesy call on Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer, at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).
The discussions focused on the current state of Sri Lanka’s aviation industry, which has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years particularly due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and explored emerging opportunities for airline growth and recovery.
Mr. Hee commended Sri Lanka for its steadfast commitment and valuable contributions to fostering a seamless air transport sector, highlighting the importance of collective efforts to rebuild and strengthen the aviation industry.
During the meeting, the DGCA & CEO and the IATA Regional Vice President signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) related to the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). The IOSA program is a globally recognized safety and quality standard that assesses an airline's operational management and control systems. Established in 2003, it aims to enhance airline safety, streamline auditing processes, and improve operational efficiency. Airlines are typically re-evaluated every two years to maintain IOSA registration.
Also present at the meeting were Mr. Buddika Hewawasam, the Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Beareu & the Country Manager of IATA Sri Lanka, Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Deputy Director General (Air Transport & Security Regulation) and Mr. Azhar Azahari, Regional Manager (South Asia) of IATA.
- விவரங்கள்
Four international airlines recently granted Foreign Air Operator Certificates (FAOC) by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) have commenced direct air services to Sri Lanka over the past two days.
Accordingly, Belavia Airlines, the national carrier of Belarus, launched its inaugural flights from Minsk, while Kuwait Airways from Kuwait, Edelweiss from Zurich, and Red Wings Airlines from Russia resumed their scheduled services to Sri Lanka’s main international airports, Bandaranaike International Airport Katunayake and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.
The applications submitted by these airlines were thoroughly evaluated by the Civil Aviation Inspectors of CAASL. The assessment included a comprehensive review of each airline’s organizational structure, availability of qualified personnel, operational equipment, and all required facilities and documentation.
The initial certification process for Belavia Airlines and the renewal of FAOCs for Kuwait Airways, Edelweiss, and Red Wings Airlines were conducted under the leadership of Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer.
These new and renewed air connections are expected to significantly boost Sri Lanka’s tourism industry by strengthening its global aviation network.
- விவரங்கள்
Mr. W. W. S. Mangala, the newly appointed Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation, paid an inaugaral visit to the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) along with the Hon. Deputy Minister Ports & Civil Aviation Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku on 23rd October 2025.
He was welcomed by Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman of the CAASL, and by Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer.
During the visit, he addressed the Higher Management of the CAASL along with other senior officials.
CAASL looks forward to work closely with the new Secretary to advance Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Sector.
- விவரங்கள்
The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has successfully conducted the second water aerodrome licensing audit at the Castlereigh Reservoir prior to issue the water aerodrome license, as per the requirements of Sri Lanka water aerodrome regulations.
In a key development for domestic aviation and tourism, Cinnamon Air a subsidiary of the John Keells Group carried out a successful test flight on 18th October using its Cessna 208 Amphibian aircraft, operating from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to Castlereigh Reservoir.
This initiative is a significant step forward in promoting regional air mobility and air taxi services, offering fast, scenic, and efficient travel options for both local and international travelers.
Under the guidance of the Ministry of Ports & Civil Aviation, CAASL initiated licensing of all water aerodromes in the country to ensure safe and secure air travel between main airports and inland water bodies which is a popular transport mode among tourists and business communities.
Under the guidance of Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation & CEO, with the support of Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman, CAASL initiated the water aerodrome licensing process and to complete six more licensing audits by end of next year.
The inspection carried by Civil Aviation inspectors under the guidance of Mr. Rangana Samanpriya, Director (Aerodromes) of CAASL.
- விவரங்கள்
Mr. Burak Karali , General Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives of Turkish Airlines, recently paid a courtesy visit to Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO) of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).
During the meeting, they discussed Turkish Airlines' current operations and future plans concerning Sri Lanka. Mr. Burak highlighted that Sri Lanka is a key destination in their network, and the airline is keen to increase flight frequencies to Colombo.
Capt. Rambukwella welcomed the initiative and emphasized the strategic potential of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), offering attractive concessions and untapped market opportunities. The Turkish Airlines team responded positively, assuring that the proposal will be considered favorably.
Mr. Sajith Amarasekara, Sales Manager of Turkish Airlines, also participated in the meeting, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Sri Lanka.
- விவரங்கள்
