Mr. Tao Ma arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport on the night of February 12 on a State visit aimed at strengthening regulatory compliance and international cooperation in civil aviation. He was welcomed by Director General of Civil Aviation and CAASL CEO, Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, along with Deputy Director General (Air Transport and Security Regulation) Rayhan Wanniappa.
Aviation authorities say the visit reflects ICAO’s continued engagement with Sri Lanka following high-level discussions held during the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal and a follow-up meeting at the ICAO Asia-Pacific Regional Office in Bangkok with Deputy Minister Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku.
The visit is expected to focus on aviation safety oversight, security regulations, and institutional readiness, as Sri Lanka prepares for its next ICAO audit—an assessment that will directly impact the country’s international aviation reputation and airline operations.
On February 13, Mr. Tao Ma will meet officials and stakeholders at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) auditorium, including CAASL Chairman Sunil Jayarathna and senior regulatory officials, to review progress and identify areas requiring improvement.
Bilateral discussions are also scheduled with Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka, Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku, and Ministry Secretary W. W. S. Mangala, with discussions expected to cover policy alignment, technical assistance, and long-term cooperation with ICAO.
Officials believe the visit underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to maintaining global aviation standards, particularly at a time when regional air traffic is expected to grow steadily.
