Domestic aviation industry faces fresh turbulence

Wednesday, 26 March 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

CAASL and industry stakeholders debate over safety, regulation and a wall of controversy
Director General Sagara Kotakadeniya confirms submission of report on Ratmalana Airport boundary wall to Civil Aviation Ministry
Affirms prioritising safety while supporting industry growth
Clarifies inspector recruitment follows Govt.’s strict qualification requirements
Acknowledges 2018 ICAO recommendations being implemented as part of ongoing regulatory overhaul
Says country’s small aviation sector requires tailored regulatory approach
Aircraft Owners and Operators Association questions delays in boundary wall report despite quick SLAF crash investigations
Raises concerns over financial interests influencing safety decisions due to advertising revenue
Challenges CAASL’s downgrading of boundary wall risk classification
Alleges CAASL Board lacks legally required aviation expertise
Cites shortage of licenced inspectors affects domestic aviation sustainability

CAASL Director-General and CEO Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sagara Kotakadeniya

By Charumini de Silva

The ongoing debate over aviation safety and regulatory oversight has intensified with industry stakeholders and the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) at odds over critical issues, particularly the boundary wall at Colombo International Airport in Ratmalana.

Upon inquiry into the latest update on the issue, CAASL Director-General and CEO Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sagara Kotakadeniya confirmed to the Daily FT that a comprehensive report on the removal of the boundary wall has been submitted to the Civil Aviation Ministry for further evaluation as requested.

“We have done our part in submitting the report and now it’s up to the relevant authorities to decide the next steps,” he said. In January 2025, the CAASL issued a statement asserting that the boundary wall at the Galle Road end of the Ratmalana Airport meets required safety standards for Obstacle Limitation Surfaces and that additional safety areas beyond recommended limits have been established – though not dismissing concerns outright.