SL assumes CASP AP chairmanship as CAASL hosts 21st regional aviation security meeting

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) successfully inaugurated the 21st Steering Committee Meeting (SCM) of the Cooperative Aviation Security Programme – Asia Pacific (CASP AP) on 23 June 2026 in Negombo, bringing together aviation security leaders, policymakers, and technical experts from across the Asia Pacific region.

A key highlight of the opening ceremony was the official transfer of the CASP AP Chairmanship from Singapore to Sri Lanka.

During the ceremony, Captain Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, assumed the Chairmanship of CASP AP for the 2026 to 2027 term.

This significant milestone reflects the confidence placed in Sri Lanka’s leadership within the regional aviation security community and underscores the country’s growing role in advancing aviation security cooperation across the Asia Pacific region.

Captain Daminda Rambukwella reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation security and highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing in responding to evolving security challenges.

The 21st CASP AP Steering Committee Meeting has attracted more than 70 delegates representing 22 Member States and participating States, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong (China), Viet Nam and several South Asian countries, together with representatives from across the Asia Pacific region.

The meeting also welcomed representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), including officials from the ICAO Asia and Pacific Regional Office in Bangkok, Thailand, and ICAO Headquarters in Montreal, Canada, along with senior officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka and representatives of regional aviation organisations.

Tao Ma, Regional Director of the ICAO Asia and Pacific Office, commended Sri Lanka for its continued commitment to strengthening aviation security and fostering regional cooperation. He emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts among Member States in addressing evolving aviation security challenges and acknowledged the valuable contribution of CASP AP in enhancing aviation security capabilities across the Asia Pacific region.

As the principal decision making body of CASP AP, the Steering Committee Meeting plays a vital role in reviewing programme activities, setting strategic priorities, promoting capacity building initiatives and strengthening collaboration among Member States.

The opening ceremony was attended by Aruna Karunathilake, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation; Eng. Janith Kodithuwakku, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation; Tao Ma, Regional Director of the ICAO Asia and Pacific Office; Lita Lee of ICAO; Tony Blackiston of ICAO; Wee Sihui Glory, Acting Deputy Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and outgoing Chair of CASP AP; together with distinguished delegates representing Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL), CASP AP Member States, participating States and regional aviation organisations.

As the host State and newly appointed Chair of CASP AP, Sri Lanka remains committed to working closely with ICAO, CASP AP Member States and international partners to promote a safe, secure and sustainable aviation environment across the Asia Pacific region.