12th Anniversary of Civil Aviation Authority

The Civil Aviation Authority celebrates its 12th anniversary on today, 27 December 2014. Civil Aviation Authority was established under the Civil Aviation Authority Act No. 34 of 2002 on 27th December 2002 and is deemed a Public Enterprise for the purpose of audit of accounts under Article 154 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialistic Republic of Sri Lanka.
Gen. Rohan Daluwatte is the present Chairman and Mr. H.M.C. Nimalsiri is the Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer.

BIA Phase II to kick off by early 2015

Taking Sri Lanka one more step closer to becoming an Aviation Hub as envisioned in the ‘Mahinda Chinthana – Vision for the Future’, the construction work on Phase II of the Bandaranaike International Airport will commence in July 2015 and is expected to be completed in three years from then.

Under this development stage, the capacity of BIA which presently stands at 6 Million Passenger Movements per annum will be increased to 15 million. An additional finger pier will be constructed to the west of the existing one. A two tier passenger terminal with arrivals and departures physically separated as found in most modern airports will also be constructed. A rapid exit to the Colombo Katunayake Highway will be provided directly from the terminal. Stage 2 itself is to be implemented in two stages and the first stage is scheduled to be completed by early 2016.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is providing assistance for this stage with the loan agreement being signed directly with Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. This is symbolic of the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries that dates back to the post second world war era. Once the Phase II Stage 2 of BIA development is complete it will stand as a monument of this lasting friendship.

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AASL bags bronze at Annual Report awards 2014

AASL bagged the Bronze award under ‘Services’ sector at the glittering Golden Jubilee Ceremony of ‘Annual Report Awards 2014′ conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, held in Colombo at Nelum Pokuna on 09th December, 2014.
This is the third occasion where AASL reached to the Bronze award in the same competition. We were awarded with Bronze for our 2008 and 2009 annual reports in 2009 and 2010 respectively and awarded with the Compliance Award three times since our entrance to the competition in 2007.
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Sri Lanka, Nepal Resume Direct Air Links

Sri Lanka and Nepal are set to resume direct air links with Colombo-based Mihin Lanka airline launching flights between Colombo and Kathmandu from March next year.

Nepal’s Tourism and Civil Aviation Ministry spokesman Mohan Krishna Sharma said Sri Lanka’s state-owned Mihin Lanka has applied for operating authorization to conduct daily flights between the country’s two capital cities.

“We have received a diplomatic note from the Sri Lankan government seeking authorisation and are waiting for the carrier’s complete documents,” he said.

Nepal and Sri Lanka had been discussing flight connectivity since the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war with the two countries signing an Air Service Agreement in January 2009.

More than 70,000 Sri Lankans visit Nepal every year with the majority visiting Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini.

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SriLankan Airlines takes delivery of its second A330-300

Sri Lanka’s national carrier and oneworld member, SriLankan Airlines, continuing its extensive wide-body re-fleeting programme, took delivery of its second Airbus 330-300, on Friday, 19 December 2014. The new aircraft named “The City of Sihagiri ” will be utilized on the major Far Eastern markets of Canton, Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong.

Flying Day 2014

Foamy Flyers, Kadawatha, organized a ‘Flying Day 2014’ at Kirimatiyagara flying site on 13 December 2014. This is the second event organized by the Foamy Flyers. The purpose of this event is to draw best RC pilots from around the country to one location and enjoy each other’s talents and company.

Russian specialists to investigate on Hokandara plane crash!

A group of Russian specialists will be coming to Sri Lanka today to investigate Friday’s plane crash in Hokandara, Athurugiriya.
Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Gihan Senevirathne stated that the group of Russian specialists are from the company which recently overhauled the ill-fated Antonov-AN32.
He added that the Russian experts, would assist in the SLAF investigation into the incident. The scene of the crash has now been cleared of all debris.
The SLAF spokesperson noted that construction on homes that were damaged in the incident, will commence shortly, adding that the required raw materials have already been transported to the location.
Four airmen, including the pilot, were killed in Friday’s crash.
The sole survivor, a leading aircraftman, is still receiving treatment for his injuries, at the National Hospital, Colombo.
newsfirst.lk

Introduction to Aviation Holiday course – Skyline

Skyline Aviation was hosted the Introduction to Aviation program for budding aviators and aviation enthusiasts over three stages. This was a great opportunity for all the students to understand how the Aviation Industry works and how it feels to become and Aviator.

Take off to future with SriLankan Aviation College…

In a ground breaking move, SriLankan Aviation College, the national carrier’s rebranded training arm officially launched on yesterday, 12 December 2014 at SriLankan premises, Katunayake.

Sri Lanka Air Force plane crashes in Athurugiriya!

A Sri Lanka Air Force plane with five people on-board crashed Friday in inclement weather in Athurugiriya, in the outskirts of capital Colombo killing four and injuring one, reported.
The Air Force Antonov-32 flying from Katunayake to Ratmalana had crashed in foggy weather in the Hokandara area, Athurugiriya. Bodies of four people have been recovered and one injured has been admitted to the hospital, the police said.

Airport Christmas Shopping Festival 2014/15 now on

The Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited (AASL) unveiled its mega seasonal promotion at airport premises. The “Airport Christmas Shopping Festival 2014/2015″ launched on December 1, 2014 will run until January 31, 2015.
After four successful years under the banner “BIA Christmas Shopping Festival” this year AASL has come up with a fresh name to this seasonal promotion – “Airport Christmas Shopping Festival”, giving a live shopping experience to departing and arriving passengers through country’s main gateway Bandaranaike International Airport BIA) and also extending this wonderful experience to the passengers getting on board and off board from the second gateway Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) as well.
This “Airport Christmas Shopping Festival” is organized as a collective endeavor by concessionaires at two airports and AASL. The inaugural Christmas Shopping Festival was held in 2010 and since then BIA Christmas shopping festival had grown into an annual glorious experience, towards which both passengers and concessionaires at airport look forward to each year.
The objective of this Shopping Festival is to promote Sri Lanka as shopping destination. When a passenger enters for departure or arrival, AASL wants to confer that Sri Lanka is one of the best places for shopping.
Other intentions are to reward the passengers passing through BIA and MRIA whilst enhancing sales at duty free shops at these airport.
Any passenger making purchases of US$ 10 or more at any of the outlets in the departure and transit area or arrival duty free complex will be eligible for the raffle draw. In addition, a purchase of US$50 or more will also entitle passengers to play a Mini Golf game and win instant prizes. This year grand prize of the raffle draw will be a brand new Chery J13 car sponsored by IDEAL Chery Automobiles. Nation Trust Bank and Dialog are the sponsors of this event for another year.
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DGCA, Sri Lanka, selected as the Chairman of the Regional Aviation Safety Group-Asia Pacific!

 

The Air Navigation Commission of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) reviewed a proposal for the establishment of Regional Aviation Safety Groups (RASGs) in four (04) different ICAO regions namely; Pan America, Europe, Middle East and Africa with an objective to further improve aviation’s successful safety performance while maintaining a high level of capacity and efficiency. As a result of this initiative the Regional Aviation Safety Group-Asia Pacific Region (RASG-APAC) was initiated following an ICAO Council decision in May 2010 to develop and implement a regional performance framework for the management of safety on the basis of Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) and the Global Safety Roadmap (GASR). The inaugural meeting of RASG-APAC was held at Nemea, New Caledonia from 10 to 11 October 2011 with the participation of 33 Member States/Administrations.

The group focus on addressing Flight Safety issues at a Regional Level. In order to develop and implement the work programme of the meeting the group selects a Chairperson for a term of three (03) years from the Member States. Chief Executive Officer, Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia Mr. John McCornick was elected as the first Chairperson of the group. The fourth consecutive meeting of RASG-APAC was held from 20-21 November 2014 in Hong Kong, China. Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer, Mr. H.M.C. Nimalsiri was selected as the Chairperson of the group for a term of three years. This provides Sri Lanka with a valuable and interactive platform to expand the States’ presence in the aviation industry as well to obtain an insight into safety critical matters in the Region. Mr. Nimalsiri also serves as the 2nd chair of the Air Navigation Planning and Implementation Regional Group of Asia Pacific Region (APANPIRG).

Sri Lanka Aviation service completes 102 years!

Today is the International Civil Aviation Day. Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation completes 102 years of existence. Sri Lanka’s official air history began in 1912 because of the successfully full controlled flight happened in 7th of December 1912.
At present SriLankan airlines, national carrier is performing a significant task in the national economic development. And also the number of aircraft in the national career is being gradually increased.

DHL, UNDP prepare Lankan airport staff for disaster relief logistics

Deutsche Post DHL, the world’s leading mail and logistics services group, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Ministry of Civil Aviation, this week launched a disaster preparednss initiative ‘Get Airports Ready for Disaster’ (GARD) workshop in Colombo.

The 4-day workshop on December 2-5 provided training to 34 Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) personnel to effectively deliver and support vital relief operations in the aftermath of a natural disaster, DHL said in a media release.

According to the Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management, Ms. S. M. Mohamed, “We consider GARD to be an essential part of improved disaster preparedness at a national level. GARD will have special significance for Sri Lanka being an island country, which depends heavily on airports to get required external assistance and inputs in the event of a national disaster”. Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Dr. T.R.C. Ruberu added, “Preparedness of airports to face national disasters will enable delivery of rapid and effective response and build capacity of the nation to be more resilient in the face of crises”.Launched in 2009, the GARD programme was co-developed by Deutsche Post DHL and UNDP with the objective of preparing airports in disaster-prone areas to respond quickly and effectively to the challenges of disaster relief logistics.

“Over the years we have conducted numerous disaster relief management exercises and have come to understand that efficient airport logistics are critical to getting aid to the people who need it. Airports can quickly become overwhelmed with the large volume of incoming relief supplies, and this can delay – or even stop – the onward transport of lifesaving supplies.

The GARD initiative is our way of being able to pass on our logistics expertise to local communities so they may be able to operate swiftly despite the high-pressure challenges they may face in times of disaster,” said Chris Weeks, Director of Humanitarian Affairs for DHL.

sundaytimes.lk

Sri Lanka Air Force conducts underslung operation at Hanthane Hill

The Heavy Lifters of No 6 Squadron marked another highpoint in their history yesterday when they airlifted two Transformers to the top of the Hanthane Hill, in an operation to meet an urgent requirement of the Ceylon Electricity Board. The underslung operation was carried out on a SLAF MI 171 SH helicopters, from Peradeniya Grounds.

The crew from No 6 Squadron, headed by the Captain of the Helicopter and Commanding Officer of No 6 Helicopter Squadron Wing Commander Kalinga Maheepala, ably assisted by Co-pilot Flight Lieutenant Ishan Thibbotumunuwe, Flight Engineer Squadron Leader Harsha Fernando, Load Master Cpl Ekanayake, Air Gunner Sergeant Mahesh Kumara and Load Operator Sergeant Chaminda, were able to manoeuvre the load into position despite the cloudy and rainy conditions that prevailed.

This will certainly be another feather in the cap of the well trained and highly experienced pilots and technical crew of No 6 Helicopter Squadron, which has conducted several such missions previously, notable among them the heavy cargo lift to Adams peak earlier this year.

November Tourist Arrivals Up 9.4%

Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka during the month of November rose 9.4 percent year-on-year (YoY) to 119,727 visitors while total arrivals for the first 11 months of the year stood at 1.34 million, up 20.3 percent YoY, the official tourism data showed.
Sri Lanka targets 1.5 million tourists at the end of this year and 2.5 million by 2016. To achieve this year’s target Sri Lanka needs 151,519 tourists visiting the country in December. The highest number of tourists recorded for this year for a month was 146,575 in January.

SriLankan Airlines seals new codeshare deal with JAL

National carrier SriLankan Airlines further consolidating its presence in the Far East commenced a new codeshare partnership with Japan Airlines (JAL) effective December 2nd, adding to a series of codeshares with leading international carriers.
This new codeshare agreement with JAL will make it the sixth codeshare to be entered into with a member airline of the oneworld alliance, complementing previously concluded codeshares with Malaysia Airlines, Siberia Airlines (S7), Royal Jordanian, Finnair and Qantas.
Affording customers even more seamless travel options, SriLankan will connect to the cities of Osaka and Nagoya in Japan via its four weekly frequencies between Colombo and Tokyo (Narita), as well as via its double – daily services between Colombo and Bangkok. SriLankan Airlines will also codeshare on JAL flights between Tokyo (Narita) and Seoul and Busan in South Korea. In turn, JAL will codeshare on SriLankan flights to Tokyo (Narita), Bangkok and Male from Colombo.
With SriLankan Airlines operating the highest number of frequencies to the popular holiday destination of the Maldives from its key hub Colombo thereby affording customers even greater connectivity, new travel options have been created for Sri Lankans on the codeshare routes operated by Japan Airlines.
Passengers will be able to enjoy the convenience of a single ticket itinerary, interlined luggage and opportunities to earn frequent flyer miles travelling in both directions on either carrier.
Significantly, the first of SriLankan Airlines’ seven new Airbus 330-300s on order that was delivered in late October will be primarily utilized on the Tokyo and Bangkok routes.
This new codeshare agreement is expected to boost tourism between Japan and Sri Lanka, coinciding with SriLankan Airlines’ strategy of increasing its presence in new growth markets, whilst Japan Airlines aims to strengthen their relationship with SriLankan through oneworld by offering customers and frequent flyers seamless travel and enhanced service benefits.

Aviation Awareness Programme at Mattala CAA office!

Aviation Awareness Programme organized by the Civil Aviation Development & Education Unit of Civil Aviation Authority was held at Mattala Civil Aviation Authority office premises and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) on 04 November 2014 with the presence of 06 Aviation Clubs in Hambantota District.
There were two main events of the Aviation awareness programme. Introduction to Aviation Lecture and a familiarization tour at MRIA. 120 students participated at this seminar and for the familiarization tour. It was a raging success on motivating kids in to aviation.
Mr. Athula Jayawickrama, Director, Civil Aviation Authority, Sri Lanka, Mr. Primal De Silva, General Manager, SriLankan Aviation College, Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam, Deputy General Manager (Marketing & Promotions), SriLankan Aviation College, Capt. Shiran Sylva, Sri Lankan Airlines and many other guests were participated at the event.

13th Issue of ‘Guwansara’ Magazine

 Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka released its 13 issue of ‘Guwansara’ aviation magazine recently. The quarterly magazine is mainly targeting the school children in rural areas and distributing among 3,300 school libraries and government officials in Sri Lanka free of charge.

Aviation Awareness Programme at Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo!

INFOTECHS organized an aviation awareness programme & a model aircraft show on 28th November 2014 at Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo. Nearly 200 students were participated at the lecture whilst about 500 students were participated at the model flying show.
Mr. Susantha Pinto, Chairman of INFOTECHS, Ms. Michelle Pinto, Group General Manager and Ms. Ramya Weerakoon, Vice President – INFOTECHS have participated at this event .For more Images

No 09 attack Helicopter Squadron celebrates its 19th Anniversary

This year marks the 19th anniversary of the No 09 Attack Helicopter Squadron, which was established on 24 November 1995 at SLAF Base Hingurakgoda with the induction of MI – 24 Attack Helicopters to the Sri Lanka Air Force.

The formation day programme commenced with the working parade and it was reviewed by the present Commanding Officer, Wg Cdr LC Dissanayake. During the Commanding Officer’s speech he emphasized the meritorious work done by the squadron to usher in peace to the country. Further, he commended the dedicated work rendered by both past and present personnel of the squadron.

This was followed by the laying of floral tributes at the MI – 24 monument which was built to commemorate gallant air crew who made the supreme sacrifice during the war.

In the spirit of joint celebrations, a cricket match was played with the participation of all ranks of the squadron followed by an all ranks lunch.

Further, as customary, the squadron conducted a charity programme at an orphanage in Hingurakgoda, where required commodities were donated. In addition, construction work was carried out to provide a library, storage space and a shelter for a water tank. Well-wishers from civilian institutions too joined in this CSR endeavor.

airforce.lk

SriLankan wins the Gold at ‘SLITAD People Development’ Awards!

National Carrier, SriLankan Airlines was awarded the prestigious Gold Award for “People Development” at SLITAD Awards Ceremony 2014 organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Training and Development, held at Hotel Galadari, Colombo, recently.

The ceremony brought the leaders of people development to a single platform where their outstanding achievements in the sphere of Human Resource Development were recognized and rewarded. The award holds a testimony to the results-oriented people development initiatives the Airline has adopted and practices to harness and hone the professional skills of the employees.

SriLankan was amongst an elite group of companies, including Janashakthi Insurance, Standard Chartered Bank, Maliban, Union Assurance, Watawala Plantations, DIMO and MAS Linea Aqua that cherished the spotlight at the ceremony.

As a global leader in service, SriLankan has a comprehensive succession planning programme where selected successors for critical positions are being groomed to take up more responsibilities along their careers at Srilankan. In addition, an extensively customised range of leadership programmes are provided via many modern models and concepts for each level enabling employees to enhance competencies.

TBC Asia travel bloggers soar around Sigiriya with Cinnamon Air

Cinnamon Air, Sri Lanka’s premier domestic airline, recently hosted a group of the world’s most renowned travel bloggers on a scenic flight from the Sigiriya Domestic Airport on 15 November during their tour of Sri Lanka, which is part of the first travel blogger-focused conference to be held in Asia, and the first travel blogging conference of its kind in the world.

Cinnamon Air operated its luxurious Cessna 208 Grand Caravan aircraft, piloted by Captain Dinesh Nagashena and First Officer Eron Lude, around the UNESCO World Heritage Site at approximately 2000 feet above the ground and just over one nautical mile from the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, giving the eight professional travel bloggers on board the executive private-jet styled aircraft a spectacular vantage point from which to admire Sri Lanka’s most visited cultural site and the stunning scenery below.

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