Sri Lanka consistently upholds the highest standards of aviation safety in alignment with guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized United Nations agency that supports 193 member states in maintaining global air connectivity, a senior official said.
Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Sagara Kotakadeniya, had said that Sri Lanka’s aviation safety measures are part of a continuous regulatory practice, not a reactive measure to air crashes reported in other countries.
He emphasized that Sri Lanka remains committed to maintaining airworthiness and operational safety in all circumstances. “We have always ensured compliance with international standards, irrespective of isolated incidents elsewhere,” Mr. Kotakadeniya stated.
Highlighting ICAO’s global role, he noted that its diplomatic and technical coordination has enabled countries to build a reliable global air mobility network, enhancing international connectivity and contributing to cultural exchange, business development, and sustainable socio-economic progress.
The ICAO recently introduced revised standards under the Annexes of the Chicago Convention, focusing on critical areas such as communication systems, navigation, airport and heliport operations, and aeronautical meteorological services, to support the sustainable evolution of the aviation sector.
Commenting on the recent tragic air crash in India, which claimed over 240 lives, Mr. Kotakadeniya said it was premature to speculate on the cause. However, he acknowledged that once investigations are concluded, there may be lessons that the broader aviation community—including Sri Lanka—can learn from to further enhance safety practices.
