Monday Sep 21, 2026
Monday Sep 21, 2026
Monday, 21 September 2026 02:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Director General Civil Aviation Captain Daminda Rambukwella
Recent developments demonstrate that Sri Lanka is actively engaged in strengthening its aviation safety oversight system and preparing for the forthcoming formal ICAO Universal Safety Oversight (USOAP-CMA) Audit Program with vigour, according to Aircraft Owners And Operators Association (AOAOA).
It said an ICAO USOAP Audit process is not simply a conventional “pass or fail” examination. The AOAOA therefore believes that all stakeholders and the industry observers must approach the forthcoming audit positively and constructively.
The objective is not merely to achieve a favourable audit result, rather to ensure that Sri Lanka demonstrates that it possesses a sustainable, effective and continuously improving aviation safety oversight system.
At the invitation of the Government of Sri Lanka and the CAASL, a CAT mission had been conducted in August 2026 specifically intended as a technical assistance and capacity building initiative by a team of CAASL technical officers and specialists closely assisted by an ICAO Team of eight technical experts.
This effort must not be confused with the formal audit due in 2027. This proactive approach is looked on with appreciation by the industry and a commendation for the continuing efforts and initiatives of the Director General Civil Aviation Captain Daminda Rambukwella in maintaining and strengthening the standards, safety, readiness and sustainable development of Sri Lanka’s general aviation and flight training industry.
The Aircraft Owners and Operators Association (AOAOA) considers this proactive engagement with ICAO to be a positive and responsible step. It demonstrates that Sri Lanka’s aviation authorities are not complacent about safety oversight but are actively seeking international technical expertise and assistance to continuously improve the national aviation safety system.
The AOAOA recognises that aviation safety is a shared responsibility. The Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation, Aircraft Owners and Operators , flying training organisations, pilots, engineers, maintenance organisations, Airport Authority and other aviation stakeholders, all have important responsibilities in maintaining the highest practicable standards of safety.
The AOAOA therefore, welcomes and reiterates its support and confidence at the present initiatives being undertaken towards higher standards of safety, professionalism, readiness and constructive collaboration by the Government of Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Ports and Aviation, the DGCA and the CAASL.
