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.
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The 59th Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the ICAO Asia and Pacific Regions was successfully held in Cebu, Philippines, from 14th to 18th October 2024 with the participation of approximately 310 number of delegates from 37 countries and 11 international organizations related to civil aviation.
Directors General from Asia-Pacific States, along with distinguished guests, including ICAO President Salvatore Sciacchitano, Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO Regional Director, and representatives from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), International Air Transport Association (IATA), Transport Canada, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) attended to this high level conference.
Discussions during the conference addressed critical issues in the aviation sector, including Aviation Safety and Security, Facilitation, Air Navigation, Air Transport Development, Disaster Prevention, Environmental considerations, Capacity Building, focusing on practical implementations.
The conference aimed to develop recommendations to enhance the APAC region’s aviation landscape. The Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, AVM Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd.), participated in the event as the main delegate from the State and moderated a high-level panel discussion on the "Economic Development of Air Transport." He also held discussions with regional delegations on strengthening bilateral aviation cooperation, training, and capacity building.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has chaired the 59th Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation. Remarkably, Sri Lanka previously hosted the 53rd DGCA Conference in the year 2016, with the President of Sri Lanka in attendance.
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The second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation successfully held in New Delhi, India from 11 – 12 September 2024, following the offer made at the first Ministerial Conference in Beijing, China, in 2018.
The conference focused on addressing key challengers such as infrastructure develo
The second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation successfully held in New Delhi, India from 11 – 12 September 2024, following the offer made at the first Ministerial Conference in Beijing, China, in 2018.
The conference focused on addressing key challengers such as infrastructure development, sustainability, and workforce development, while fostering greater collaboration between the public and private sector.
Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano, the president of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council and Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, the ICAO secretary General had been attended to this conference.
Representing Sri Lanka, AVM Sagara Kotakadeniya (Retd.), the Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer led the delegation and delivered the statement of Sri Lanka’s commitment on development of civil Aviation on behalf of the Minister of Ports, Shipping & Civil Aviation. Ms. Avanthi Senarathne, the Vice Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited attended as a member of the SriLankan delegation.
Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narajdra Modi grace this occasion as chief guest and during this conference he officially announced “Delhi Declaration” by all member states in Asia Pacific.
This conference and the adoption of the “Delhi Declaration” represent a significant step forward in advancing safety, security and sustainability in the Asia Pacific civil aviation sector and highlights the spirit of corporation that exists among the countries of this region.
The event jointly organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and ICAO had bring together Transport and Aviation Ministers, Regulators Bodies and industry experts from across the Asia Pacific region.
The President of ICAO said that the Asia Pacific was among the fastest growing market in the world.
“We are expecting 4.5 billion passengers in this year, which will growth on 11.5 billion passengers in 2050. Asia Pacific is a beacon of this growth.” He added.
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