A special discussion to address several factors affecting domestic aviation operations took place on 10th February at the Ministry of Defence. Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retired) presided over the meeting.
Key stakeholders from both state and private sectors of the country’s aviation industry participated in the session. Special attention focused on security and essential elements required to regularise domestic civil aviation operations through a proper mechanism. This initiative primarily aims to ensure a smooth, secure, and efficient aviation operation system to promote the national tourism industry.
Defense Secretary Thuyacontha emphasised the importance of conducting a wide-ranging study on existing procedures to promptly implement a formal restructuring process, making civil aviation operations more convenient and efficient. The meeting provided a platform for regulatory authorities, security forces, and industry stakeholders to openly exchange ideas on operational and security issues with mutual understanding.
The discussion highlighted the importance of strengthening inter-institutional coordination and adopting practical approaches for the sustainable growth of the domestic aviation sector while giving priority to national security requirements. Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Air Force, Navy, Police, Civil Aviation Authority, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, and the Ports Authority attended the event, alongside representatives from the Aircraft Owners and Operators Association and domestic aviation companies.
