Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 22 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release:
A progress review meeting on security and operational matters relating to domestic airline operators was held at the Ministry of Defence 21 July, chaired by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd.), to assess the progress of measures implemented to strengthen Sri Lanka's domestic aviation sector while ensuring national security requirements are effectively maintained.
The meeting focused on reviewing the implementation of several key initiatives introduced to enhance operational efficiency and regulatory coordination within the domestic aviation industry. Discussions covered improvements to security clearance procedures, the streamlining of operational processes, and ongoing initiatives related to airspace management, with emphasis placed on facilitating aviation activities without compromising national security or air defence requirements.
During the meeting, special attention was given to the proposal to establish a dedicated helicopter landing facility within Colombo Port City. The proposed facility is expected to support future business, tourism, executive transport, and emergency response operations. The Defence Secretary instructed the relevant authorities to further evaluate the proposal in consultation with all stakeholders, recognising its strategic value in advancing Sri Lanka's aviation infrastructure.
Representatives of the Aircraft Operators and Owners Association expressed their appreciation to the Ministry of Defence for its proactive intervention in addressing long-standing operational and regulatory challenges affecting the domestic aviation sector. They noted that nearly 90 percent of the issues that had remained unresolved for more than two decades have now been successfully addressed through the guidance of the Ministry of Defence and the close cooperation extended by all stakeholder institutions.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Navy, Air Force, Police, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL), the Urban Development Authority (UDA), the Aircraft Operators and Owners Association (AOAOA), and senior officials of the Ministry of Defence.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
