The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has announced plans to introduce a licensing system for drone pilots engaged in commercial and professional activities, marking the first such initiative in the country.

Under the leadership of Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer, the CAASL has already established standard drone regulations under IS-53, which form the basis of the new licensing framework. 

Applicants will be required to pass a theory examination, undergo a medical check-up and security clearance, and demonstrate practical operational competency in a live assessment.

The evaluation process for the first license has already been conducted, with Civil Aviation Inspector (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Praveen Wijesinghe successfully completing the requirements. 

Issuing a statement, the CAASL stated that all drones used for commercial purposes must also be registered with CAASL under existing regulations.

Officials said the move aims to foster a new operational culture in Sri Lanka’s drone industry, aligning with global trends in unmanned aircraft technology. 

Once implemented, Sri Lanka will become the second country in South Asia, after India, to introduce a formal licensing system for drone pilots.

CAASL noted that the initiative is expected to boost national economic growth by supporting multiple industries and strengthening the country’s aviation oversight. (Newswire)

The post Licensing system to be introduced for drone pilots appeared first on Newswire.

Capt. Daminda Rambukwella officially assumed duties as the Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) today.

A ceremony was held to mark this occasion in the presence of CAASL Chairman Sunil Jayarathna, Deputy Director General (Air Transport & Security Regulation) Rayhan Wanniappa, Deputy Director General (Aeronautical Services Regulation) M. A. K. Prasanna, along with other senior officers of CAASL.

According to the CAASL, prior to this appointment, Capt. Rambukwella served as the Deputy Director General (Flight Safety Regulation) and Acting Director of Aircraft Operations at CAASL, where he demonstrated exemplary leadership, sound decision-making, and strong administrative capabilities. 

He began his career at CAASL as a Flight Operations Inspector (Aircraft Flight Operations). 

The CAASL states that his extensive experience and strategic insight make him well-positioned to guide Sri Lanka’s aviation sector into a new era of progress and innovation. (Newswire)

The post Civil Aviation Authority gets new Director General appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAASL) has denied media reports claiming it planned to recover “19 aircraft linked to King Ravana,” calling the story “entirely false and baseless.”

In a statement, the authority said it had not made such a claim nor was it involved in any related project. 

The CAASL stressed its role is to regulate and oversee civil aviation in line with national laws and the Chicago Convention, with a focus on safety, security, and sustainable development.

The public and media were urged to verify information with the CAASL before publishing to avoid spreading misinformation that could harm the credibility of the aviation sector. (Newswire)

The post CAASL calls ‘19 Ravana Aircraft Recovery’ reports false appeared first on Newswire.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) says drones have been prohibited at the 2025 Esala Perahera of the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy.

Issuing a notice, the CAASL said all drone operations over the perahera procession routes are temporarily prohibited.  

The 2025 Kandy Esala Perahera, which commenced yesterday, will continue until 09 August 2025. (Newswire)

The post Kandy Esala Perahera : Drones temporarily prohibited appeared first on Newswire.

SCAT Air, Kazakhstan’s largest carrier, will commence operations to Sri Lanka in March 2023, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) stated. 

The CAASL stated that SCAT air will operate flights to the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota from Almaty, Kazakhstan.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka further stated that it has granted approval for charter flights to operate at Mattala airport.

The CAASL stated that thereby, SCAT Air will connect Mattala and Almaty once a week from 05th March 2023. (NewsWire)

The post New Airline to operate from Mattala appeared first on Newswire.