Colombo, June 13 – Sri Lanka continues to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety in strict compliance with international guidelines, a senior official from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said today, underscoring that the country’s commitment to air safety is ongoing and not reactionary to incidents abroad.
Director General of the CAA, Sagara Kotakadeniya, emphasized that Sri Lanka consistently adheres to the safety protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized UN agency that supports 193 countries in working together to ensure safe and efficient global airspace.
“Aviation safety in Sri Lanka is not something we only focus on when an accident happens elsewhere,” Kotakadeniya said. “It’s a continuous process. We maintain airworthiness and operational standards at all times.”
He explained that ICAO’s collaboration has enabled nations worldwide to build a reliable and fast global air mobility system connecting people, cultures, and economies while supporting sustainable growth and prosperity.
Recently, ICAO introduced updates to several Annexes of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (commonly known as the Chicago Convention). These updates include revised standards in communication, navigation systems, airport and heliport operations, and aeronautical meteorological services crucial areas for global aviation safety.
While addressing concerns surrounding the recent catastrophic plane crash in India, which claimed over 240 lives, Kotakadeniya said it was too early to speculate on the cause. However, he acknowledged that Sri Lanka, like other nations, would evaluate the findings once available to determine if any lessons can be learned.
“Investigations will reveal what went wrong. Until then, we refrain from assumptions. But yes, every incident presents an opportunity to improve,” he added.
Sri Lanka’s aviation regulator reaffirmed its proactive approach, highlighting the country’s consistent safety record and its dedication to staying aligned with global best practices regardless of external incidents.
