By Dwayne Ferreira.
Daminda Rambukwella recognition at the 61st DGCA Conference highlights Sri Lanka’s growing role in Asia-Pacific civil aviation cooperation.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Director General of Civil Aviation of Sri Lanka, Captain Daminda Rambukwella, has received international recognition from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for his outstanding contribution as a moderator at the 61st Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation of the Asia and Pacific Regions.
The recognition was presented by ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar in appreciation of Capt. Rambukwella’s effective moderation and contribution towards the successful conduct of a key session at the regional aviation conference held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Capt. Rambukwella served as moderator of the Capacity Development and Implementation session, which brought together senior civil aviation officials and industry representatives to discuss important regional priorities surrounding capacity development, institutional strengthening and the effective implementation of aviation standards.
His role placed Sri Lanka prominently within discussions involving some of the Asia-Pacific region’s leading civil aviation decision-makers.
The recognition also reflects the growing involvement of Sri Lanka in regional civil aviation cooperation and highlights the country’s efforts to contribute more actively to discussions concerning the development, safety and sustainability of the aviation sector.
Recognition of Sri Lankan Aviation Leadership
The honour adds to Capt. Rambukwella’s increasing regional responsibilities and comes as Sri Lanka seeks to strengthen its engagement with international aviation institutions.
His participation at the DGCA conference follows his appointment as Chairman of the Cooperative Aviation Security Programme – Asia Pacific (CASP-AP) for 2026–2027, a position that places Sri Lanka within an important regional framework aimed at strengthening aviation security cooperation.
The CASP-AP initiative supports participating states in developing aviation security capabilities, improving regulatory implementation and strengthening cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region.
Capt. Rambukwella’s chairmanship, together with his role at the DGCA conference, signals a growing level of confidence being placed in Sri Lankan aviation leadership within regional forums.
Sri Lanka Strengthens Regional Aviation Engagement
The 61st DGCA Conference provided a platform for aviation authorities from across the Asia-Pacific region to exchange views on regulatory development, operational challenges, aviation security, capacity building and the implementation of ICAO standards.
Such conferences play an important role in shaping regional aviation policy while allowing national regulators to strengthen technical cooperation and develop closer working relationships with their international counterparts.
For Sri Lanka, the recognition received by Capt. Rambukwella comes at a time when the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has been increasing its international engagement and seeking to strengthen the country’s standing within the regional aviation community.
The acknowledgment from the ICAO Secretary General is therefore seen as more than a personal achievement, reflecting Sri Lanka’s continued participation in efforts to advance civil aviation cooperation across Asia and the Pacific.
Capt. Rambukwella’s recognition further underscores the importance of Sri Lankan representation at international aviation forums, particularly as the country continues efforts to enhance regulatory capacity, strengthen safety and security oversight and deepen collaboration with regional aviation authorities.
