Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva said Sri Lanka has published the National Civil Aviation Policy removing numerous legislative, administrative, and operational barriers easing active private sector participation in the establishment and operation of aviation infrastructure facilities and services.
Addressing the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) at Montreal, Canada, the Minister said Sri Lanka is committed to fulfill its obligations under the Chicago Convention and would continue to support and take part actively in ICAO’s efforts for the promotion of safe, secure, efficient, and regular, economically sustainable, and environmentally responsive global air transport industry.
In the past ICAO safety and security Audits, Sri Lanka has shown effective implementation of more than 88 percent of ICAO standards. The Government is pursuing through a new Act of Parliament for establishment of an independent Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Board, which is vital for effective safety management and promotion, he said.
The Minister said development of aviation infrastructure facilities, which include expansion and modernisation of the main International Airport of Sri Lanka – the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) terminal building, apron, and access roads are progressing well even amid an economic crisis. We are hopeful that the enhanced facilities would be available for use by the end of 2024 to serve the industry and our travel partners better.
He said Sri Lanka recognises the necessity of the development of not only the current aviation workforce but also the next generation of aviation professionals to maintain high levels of standards with requisite innovations and infusion of technology to face the future challenges ensuring seamless growth of the air transport sector.
He said: “We join hands firmly with ICAO and the rest of the State to fulfill the global commitments for the carbon neutral growth, control of toxic gaseous substances and environmental protection.” Sri Lanka underscores the need of pooling of resources and working in partnership with all involved to strengthen States’ capabilities to confidently face the current, new, and emerging aviation issues and challenges, he said.
The Minister said Sri Lanka is at present facing unprecedented economic challenges resulting from a number of factors, including the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and current global crises. The Government of Sri Lanka is sensitive to the economic hardships faced by the people and is in dialogue with all stakeholders including domestic and international partners with regard to stabilising the situation. In order to minimise the negative impacts on the most vulnerable segments of the population, and to ensure provision of an adequate social safety net, targeted preventive measures are being undertaken by the Government.