Monday Jun 22, 2026
Monday Jun 22, 2026
Monday, 22 June 2026 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lanka is set to assume a key leadership role in regional aviation security after the Cabinet of Ministers last week approved hosting two major Asia-Pacific aviation security summits later this month, bringing together representatives from 41 countries and international organisations.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved hosting the 21st Steering Committee Meeting of the Cooperative Aviation Security Program–Asia Pacific (CASP-AP) on 23-24 June and the 14th Regional Aviation Security Coordination Forum (RASCF) for Asia and the Pacific on 25-26 June.
The meetings are expected to attract around 80 delegates, including Government representatives, international organisations, and aviation security experts from across the Asia-Pacific region.
A key outcome of the summit will be Sri Lanka’s assumption of the chairmanship of the CASP-AP Steering Committee for the 2026-2027 term, placing the country at the centre of regional aviation security policymaking.
The CASP-AP Steering Committee functions as the principal decision-making body of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) cooperative aviation security program for the Asia-Pacific region and is responsible for guiding regional strategies, technical cooperation and security capacity-building initiatives.
The RASCF serves as a high-level platform for member States to discuss emerging aviation security threats, implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), capacity-building programs, and coordination among governments and international organisations.
The meetings are also expected to facilitate discussions on future security frameworks, intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and regional preparedness measures aimed at safeguarding the rapidly expanding aviation sector across Asia and the Pacific.
The Government views the summits will provide Sri Lanka with an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with regional partners while enhancing its profile as a strategic aviation hub in the Indian Ocean.
