By Dwayne Ferreira.
The Daminda Rambukwella mission in Malaysia advanced talks on air connectivity, Mattala, ICAO cooperation, EASA ties and new aviation technology.
Possible new air connectivity, a regional aviation safety agreement, new technical training opportunities, stronger regulatory cooperation, and discussions on emerging aviation technology have all emerged from Capt. Daminda Rambukwella’s Malaysia mission, making it one of Sri Lanka’s most wide-ranging aviation engagements in recent times.
Representing Sri Lanka at the 61st Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation, Asia and Pacific Region (DGCA/61) in Kuala Lumpur, Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), used the visit to do far more than attend a regional gathering.
Over the course of the conference, his engagements extended across several fronts, from high-level discussions with ICAO leadership and European aviation partners to bilateral talks with Oman, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. Sri Lanka also joined a regional aviation safety data-sharing initiative, while Rambukwella took on a prominent role moderating a key session on capacity development and implementation.
Taken together, the mission reflects a broader push to position Sri Lanka more actively within regional and global aviation discussions at a time when the country is seeking to strengthen connectivity, modernise its civil aviation sector, and deepen international cooperation.
A Mission With Tangible Strategic Value
What makes this visit especially noteworthy is the breadth of issues discussed and the range of stakeholders engaged.
Among the most consequential developments were the discussions held with the Civil Aviation Authority of Oman, where attention was drawn to the operation and development potential of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA).
The talks also touched on the resumption of direct flights between Sri Lanka and Oman through SriLankan Airlines, the possible return of Oman Air services, and the prospect of increasing the frequency of SalamAir operations.
These are not minor talking points. For Sri Lanka, improved air connectivity with Oman carries direct implications for tourism, trade, passenger mobility, and airport utilisation, especially in relation to Mattala, which has long been viewed as an underutilised strategic asset.
The Oman discussions also extended to institutional cooperation. Eng. Naif bin Ali Al Abri, President of the Civil Aviation Authority of Oman, requested Sri Lanka’s support for a special International Civil Aviation Organization meeting scheduled to be held in Oman.
Sri Lanka expressed its willingness to provide the necessary support. Invitations were also exchanged for future official visits between the two sides.
If even part of these discussions translates into practical follow-up, the Malaysia mission could have implications reaching far beyond the conference hall.
Regional Safety Agreement Adds a Concrete Outcome
Another significant development from the Malaysia mission was Sri Lanka’s formal entry into the Regional Aviation Safety Data and Information Sharing Initiative.
Sri Lanka and Vietnam joined the programme on 8 September 2026 on the sidelines of DGCA/61, bringing the number of participating States to seven: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Capt. Rambukwella signed on behalf of CAASL alongside Mr. Do Hong Cam, Deputy Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, in the presence of senior ICAO officials.
The initiative enables participating States to share de-identified aviation safety data and information to identify emerging hazards, analyse regional safety trends, and support measures to better manage aviation risks.
The scale of the initiative is already significant. More than 13,000 safety reports have been pooled through the programme, covering the period from January 2023 to April 2026.
In 2025, the number of safety occurrence categories increased from seven to ten. The additional areas included runway incursions, unstable approaches that continued to land, and wildlife sightings excluding birds.
For Sri Lanka, participation supports the objectives of the National Aviation Safety Plan by strengthening data-driven safety oversight, improving the sharing and analysis of safety information, and helping authorities identify and mitigate aviation risks.
Unlike some of the mission’s longer-term discussions, this agreement represents a tangible institutional outcome already secured during the visit.
UAE Training Support Strengthens Technical Capability
The mission also produced a potentially important capacity-building opportunity through talks with the United Arab Emirates.
Capt. Rambukwella met His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority of the UAE, on the sidelines of DGCA/61.
The meeting focused on strengthening aviation cooperation between Sri Lanka and the UAE, particularly in the use of new technologies and the development of technical capabilities within Sri Lanka’s civil aviation sector.
At Rambukwella’s request, Al Suwaidi agreed to support technical training opportunities for CAASL personnel without course fees.
The proposed training will cover key areas including Airworthiness, Air Operations, Air Navigation, and emerging technologies such as electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft, or eVTOL.
This development adds an important practical dimension to the Malaysia mission.
Technical capability is central to effective aviation regulation, particularly as authorities confront increasingly complex aircraft systems, digital technologies and new forms of air mobility.
The training opportunity could therefore help strengthen the expertise of Sri Lankan aviation professionals while supporting the wider modernisation of the country’s civil aviation sector.
Strengthening Sri Lanka’s Standing With Global Aviation Leadership
Another major feature of the visit was Capt. Rambukwella’s engagement with the leadership of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
His discussions with the Secretary General of ICAO and the President of the ICAO Council, together with Mr. Tao Ma, placed Sri Lanka directly within high-level conversations on the future direction of aviation.
These discussions focused on matters of mutual interest, including Sri Lanka’s future aviation priorities, modernisation of the civil aviation sector, and the country’s interest in adopting emerging aviation technologies.
Particular emphasis was placed on eVTOL technology, or electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing systems, a subject increasingly associated with the next phase of aviation innovation.
While such technologies remain in the emerging category for many countries, Sri Lanka’s willingness to bring these issues into discussions with ICAO leadership signals a desire to align itself with future-oriented aviation policy rather than remain limited to traditional operational concerns.
The discussions did not amount to an announcement of eVTOL operations in Sri Lanka. Instead, they showed that the country is beginning to engage with the policy and regulatory questions surrounding next-generation aviation.
This aspect of the visit helps project an image of Sri Lanka not simply as a participant in aviation regulation, but as a country exploring how it can adapt to the changing direction of global air transport.
European Cooperation and Regulatory Development
Capt. Rambukwella’s meeting with Ms. Maria Rueda, Strategy and Safety Management Director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and Mr. Javier Vicedo, Project Manager of the EU-South Asia Aviation Partnership Project, added another important dimension to the visit.
That engagement focused on strengthening cooperation in civil aviation and supporting the continued development of the aviation sector in South Asia.
It also highlighted Sri Lanka’s participation in international partnerships that can assist with knowledge sharing, technical cooperation, safety development, and regulatory capability-building.
For Sri Lankan aviation, such connections matter deeply.
A strong civil aviation sector is not built only on aircraft movements and airline schedules. It also depends on the strength of its institutions, technical standards, safety frameworks, and international credibility.
Continued cooperation with European and regional aviation partners can help Sri Lanka maintain and improve those foundations.
Capt. Rambukwella also participated in the Project Management Board Meeting of the EU-South Asia Aviation Partnership Project on 9 September, together with Directors General of Civil Aviation from other South Asian countries.
That participation further underscores the practical value of the mission and provides another avenue for knowledge sharing and regional coordination.
Regional Diplomacy Beyond the Formal Sessions
The Malaysia mission was also significant in terms of wider regional aviation diplomacy.
Capt. Rambukwella held bilateral discussions with Indonesia’s Director General of Civil Aviation, Mr. Lukman F. Laisa, on the sidelines of the conference.
Those talks provided an opportunity for both countries to exchange views on matters of mutual interest and explore ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in civil aviation and collaboration within the wider Asia-Pacific framework.
The Indonesian side also shared its vision for its candidature to the ICAO Council under Part III for the 2026-2028 term, while both parties reaffirmed the importance of maintaining dialogue and constructive engagement.
Indonesia’s candidature is being advanced under the theme “Bridging Regions, Strengthening Global Aviation.”
The meeting also covered regional connectivity, capacity development, knowledge sharing, and closer cooperation between civil aviation authorities.
Though less immediately commercial than the Oman discussions, such engagements still matter.
In aviation, relationships between regulators and civil aviation authorities can shape future cooperation in areas such as policy coordination, technical assistance, training, and multilateral engagement within global institutions.
Sri Lanka’s active participation in these exchanges demonstrates that it is seeking a more engaged role within regional aviation forums.
A Visible Leadership Role at DGCA/61
Perhaps the strongest personal-profile element of the visit was Capt. Rambukwella’s role as Moderator of Session 8, Capacity Development and Implementation, at DGCA/61.
This was not merely a symbolic assignment.
The session covered a broad range of strategic issues, including regional capacity development, implementation support, technical cooperation, knowledge sharing, human resource development, aviation competencies for emerging technologies, AI literacy and governance, gender equality in air navigation services, training cooperation, and the digitalisation of the air cargo industry.
Discussions also included the Asia Pacific Flight Procedure Programme, the ICAO Pacific Small Island Developing States Implementation Support Roadmap, capacity development for flying training organisations, and stronger regional coordination.
Further discussions covered the contribution of international organisations to technical and regional cooperation, virtual and hybrid participation in ICAO Asia-Pacific meetings, monitoring of conference action items, and the ICAO Asia and Pacific Capacity Development Initiative.
As moderator, Rambukwella facilitated proceedings and guided the exchange of views among participating States and aviation stakeholders.
To be entrusted with moderating such a session at a major regional aviation conference places Sri Lanka in a more visible position within the aviation community.
Rather than simply participating, the country was helping to shape and manage the discussion.
The images from the conference, whether showing Rambukwella speaking before delegates, seated at the conference table, or engaging senior aviation officials, reinforce that Sri Lanka’s presence was active rather than peripheral.
More Than Attendance, A Strategic Showing for Sri Lanka
The broader significance of the Malaysia mission lies in how effectively it brought together several strands of Sri Lanka’s aviation agenda in one setting.
There were discussions on connectivity and airline services. There was engagement on airport development, especially in relation to Mattala.
Sri Lanka formally joined a regional aviation safety data-sharing initiative, while the UAE offered technical training opportunities for CAASL personnel.
There were also conversations with global and regional partners on regulatory cooperation, safety, technical knowledge, emerging technology, training and institutional development.
There was visible leadership within one of the conference’s formal sessions.
That combination makes the visit stand out.
In many cases, international conference travel by public officials can appear largely ceremonial. This mission, however, presents a more substantive picture.
The range of meetings, agreements and opportunities suggest that Capt. Rambukwella used the DGCA/61 platform to advance Sri Lanka’s aviation interests across several levels at once.
Ministerial Backing Strengthens the Reform Push
Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka also deserves recognition for the proactive and focused approach he has taken towards strengthening Sri Lanka’s aviation sector.
His support for forward-looking initiatives, higher regulatory and operational standards, and greater international engagement reflects a clear commitment to positioning Sri Lankan civil aviation for the future.
Equally important has been the confidence and support extended to the current Director General of Civil Aviation.
That backing has given the leadership of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka the space to pursue reforms, strengthen institutional capability, and build closer relationships with regional and international aviation partners.
With continued ministerial support and a strong emphasis on professionalism, competence and accountability, CAASL has an opportunity to establish itself as an increasingly capable and respected aviation regulator and a more significant player in the region.
The Real Test Will Be What Comes Next
Of course, the long-term value of the visit will ultimately depend on follow-through.
Discussions must become working relationships. Expressions of interest must become actionable next steps.
Connectivity conversations must evolve into route development, increased frequencies, or renewed services. Regulatory engagement must lead to deeper cooperation, stronger technical partnerships, and measurable progress for Sri Lanka’s civil aviation sector.
The safety data-sharing agreement and UAE training support provide two concrete outcomes that already give the mission greater substance.
The next challenge will be to convert the broader discussions with Oman, ICAO, European partners, Indonesia and other stakeholders into tangible results.
Yet even at this stage, the Malaysia mission can reasonably be viewed as a strong and timely showing for Sri Lanka.
At a moment when international aviation is changing rapidly, technologically, commercially and institutionally, Capt. Daminda Rambukwella’s engagements in Kuala Lumpur have helped place Sri Lanka firmly within the conversation.
If the momentum created in Malaysia is carried forward effectively, the visit may prove to have opened meaningful new doors for Sri Lankan aviation.
