Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
Monday, 16 February 2026 02:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) last week assured necessary coordination to obtain the necessary international support to continue maintaining Sri Lanka›s aviation industry as a safe, efficient and sustainable industry.
This assurance came from ICAO Asia and Pacific Regional Office Regional Director Tao Ma when he spoke at a ceremony held at the Katunayake Civil Aviation Authority auditorium.
Tao said that the global aviation industry is set to grow threefold over the next two decades, and preparing the necessary human resources for that could be a major challenge.
During his visit Tao Ma also added that the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, which runs the aviation industry in Sri Lanka, is properly maintained in accordance with the standards of the ICAO and that he is ready to provide the necessary technical guidance to successfully face the international audit to be conducted by his organization this year.
Sri Lanka has been a member of the ICAO since 1948. Tao Ma was accompanied by ICAO Regional Office Asia Pacific Technical Officer Raju Sastra.
The meeting was attended by CAASL Chairman Sunil Jayarathna, Civil Aviation Director General Daminda Rambukwella, industry stakeholders and CAASL staff.
Key highlights of the meeting were the presentation of appreciation awards by the ICAO Regional Director to former Directors General of Civil Aviation for their outstanding contributions and the formal appointment and issuance of letters to newly designated ICAO global champions and ambassadors by the Regional Director.
Rehan Wanniappa was honoured as an ICAO Global Champion for the Asia-Pacific region, and Prabath Kularathna and Dr. Upuli Sachithra as Sri Lankan Ambassadors.
In addition, retired Civil Aviation Directors General H.M.C. Nimalsiri, Parakrama Dissanayake, Captain Themiya Abeywickrama, P.A. Jayakantha and retired Air Vice Marshal Sagara Kotakadeniya were also felicitated for their contributions to the advancement of the Sri Lankan civil aviation industry.
During his State visit, the Regional Director held bilateral discussions with key officials including Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka, Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku, and Secretary, W. W. S. Mangala.
