Cabinet nod to finalise draft bill to establish independent Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau

Wednesday, 18 June 2025 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Monday approved finalising a draft bill to establish an independent Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to enhance the country’s compliance with international aviation safety standards.

The development came nearly a decade and a half after the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) flagged the absence of an independent investigation mechanism during a 2010 audit.

Under the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka Act No. 34 of 2022, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) currently holds the responsibility for investigating aircraft accidents and incidents occurring within Sri Lanka’s airspace.

However, ICAO had identified this as a conflict of interests, recommending the creation of a separate, independent agency to carry out such critical investigations.

As a result, in 2016 the Cabinet of Ministers first approved the establishment of an AAIB. Since then the Legal Draftsman has prepared an initial draft of the bill. However, following feedback from stakeholders, it was determined that additional provisions were needed to ensure the bill meets international standards and effectively outlines the Bureau’s independence, powers and responsibilities.

The proposal to this effect submitted by the Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

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