EASA International Cooperation Forum begins in Colombo tomorrow

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) will host the eighth International Cooperation Forum (ICF) of the European Safety Agency (EASA) from 19 to 21 March at the Hilton, Colombo. 

The three-day event will see the participation of over 100 foreign and local senior Civil Aviation delegates from the European Union, Asia Pacific and other parts of the world.

The event held under the auspices of Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala De Silva will be inaugurated by Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Secretary K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, marking Sri Lanka’s first time as hosts of this significant event. Several Directors General and their delegates from countries in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as high level officials of EASA including EASA Acting Director Luc Tytget, and Director – Strategy and Safety Management Maria Nieves will attend.

CAASL Chairman G.S. Withanage, CAASL Vice Chairman D.W.S. Narangoda, the newly appointed Director General of Civil Aviation Air vice Marshal H.M.S.K.B. Kotakadeniya (Retd.), and CAASL Deputy Director General Rayhan Wanniappa, are also scheduled to attend this forum. 

The ICF, first held in 2008, is an international platform for aviation authorities and regional organisations interested in regional cooperation and the EASA system. It provides an opportunity to share experiences and best practices, discussing the latest developments in safety and environmental standards, and promotion of safe and sustainable aviation worldwide.

This year, the ICF/8 will cover a broad portfolio of topics such as regulating technological innovation and emerging risks, meeting environmental requirements, upholding public trust in aviation safety and furthering regional and technical cooperation. It will build upon the experience gained since the last ICF back in 2019 and the close cooperation developed between EASA and its partners worldwide.

The European Union plays a crucial role as a development and technical cooperation partner for third countries in the field of aviation. EASA works with third-country aviation authorities and other international partners worldwide to promote aviation safety, security and environmental standards, policies, and technology.

Hosting the eighth ICF will boost Sri Lanka’s aviation industry and provide opportunities for its professionals to gain important exposure to international best practices.