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Katunayake, 14th August 2024 — The 8th National Air Transport Facilitation Committee (NATFC) Meeting convened today at the Kokila Auditorium, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Katunayake. Chaired by Mr. Ruwanchandra, the Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, this pivotal meeting underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to enhancing its aviation sector through coordinated efforts in facilitation.
The NATFC is a collaborative platform bringing together departments, agencies, and organizations across Sri Lanka, all of which have a stake in the international civil aviation landscape. The primary goal of the NATFC is to take necessary policy-level decisions to achieve the objectives established under the National Air Transport Facilitation Program (NATFP).
Facilitation has emerged as a cornerstone of global aviation, recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as a critical factor on par with safety and security. Reflecting this importance, ICAO has designated 2024 as the "Year of Facilitation." The relevance of facilitation was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery period, where streamlined processes were crucial in maintaining the flow of international air traffic.
Facilitation involves a comprehensive set of measures and the effective use of human and material resources to enhance and streamline the movement of aircraft, crew, passengers, cargo, baggage, mail, and stores through airports. This is done while ensuring strict compliance with both international and national regulations. The members of the NATFC are fully committed to this process, recognizing that a well-coordinated facilitation strategy is key to the efficient and secure operation of Sri Lanka’s airports.
This meeting not only reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s dedication to enhancing its aviation sector but also highlighted the collaborative spirit essential for navigating the challenges and opportunities in the evolving global aviation landscape.
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The government has decided to modernize the Hingurakgoda Domestic Airport, an antiquated airport in Sri Lanka, to facilitate international flight operations. This airport, originally constructed for the Royal Air Force of England during World War II, was known as RAF Minneriya at the time.
Under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the current government aims to transform this centrally located airport into an international airport to bolster the country's economy. As part of this initiative, the 2024 budget includes a financial allocation of 2 billion rupees to commence initial construction and development activities.
With this funding, the first phase of development will focus on extending the existing 2287-meter-long and 46-meter-wide runway to 2500 meters. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation emphasizes that upon completion of these enhancements, the runway will be capable of accommodating Airbus A320 and Boeing B737 aircraft. The total Project Cost is 17 billions rupees.
In order to assess existing challenges and conduct a feasibility study to guide the development efforts at Hingurakgoda Airport, Mr. Nimal Siripala de Silva, the Hon.Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, conducted a special inspection at the airport on April 4th, 2024.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation – Mr.K.D.S.Ruwanchandra, Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force – Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Acting Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority – Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd., - Mr. Athula Galketiya, Director, Civil Aviation Services Authority – Air Vice Marshal Sagara Kotakadeniya and several officials were also present at the occasion.
In the discussion, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said: Through the modernization of this airport, we hope to transform it into an international airport in the future, for which the President has given 02 billion rupees in the budget of 2023 to start the construction. Accordingly, every year to come Higurakgoda is working to provide funds from the budget for the construction of the airport.
Explaining further, the minister said: Our ultimate goal is to operate Mattala, Katunayake, Ratmalana and Palali airports as well as Higurakgoda airport as a civil airport.
Therefore, he asked for the support of all parties to make this development project a success.
Source - Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Aviation.
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The 31st Steering Committee Meeting of COSCAP - South Asia (Cooperative Development of Operational Safety and Continuing Airworthiness Program – South Asia), dedicated to advancing civil aviation safety in the region, successfully concluded in Paro, Bhutan from 7th to 9th of May 2024.
During this gathering, AVM Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd.), Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka, assumed leadership as the Chairman for a 2-year term. This pivotal role oversees the annual steering committee meetings, which play a vital role in shaping civil aviation safety initiatives. Mr. Khaqan Murtaza, DGCA of Pakistan, served as the previous Chairman for the past two years.
Established in 1997, COSCAP-SA embarks on its 6th Phase with a steadfast commitment to enhancing safety measures within South Asian civil aviation. Over the years, it has proactively implemented various initiatives to bolster safety standards across the region.
The Steering Committee meeting drew participation not only from member states but also representatives from key stakeholders such as Airbus, Boeing, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), as well as Civil Aviation Authorities from Britain (CAA-UK) and France (DGCA-France).
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The representatives of Maldiviana Aviation (Private) Limited, GSA (General Sales Agent) for Aeroflot Russian Airlines & Rossiya Airlines, made a courtesy call on AVM Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd.), the Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO) on 02nd April 2024 at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.
The discussions revolved around the Airline’s new business opportunities and the DGCA & CEO positively welcomed their proposals. The Representatives were very keen on the suggestions and agreed to look into them favorably.
Ms. Padma Beddewela, Operation Director/ Accountable Manager of Maldiviana Aviation (Private) Limited , was also present at the meeting and she specially mentioned that both airlines have identified Sri Lanka as an important aspect of their operation and wish to continue direct operations from Russia to Colombo.
Ms Viktoria Smirnova, Mr Aleksandr Chermiuk, Mr Praneeth Fernando & Mr Nimal Maussawa were present on this occasion representing the Maldiviana Aviation (Private) Limited.
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