ICAO Asia-Pacific regional director arrives in Sri Lanka on state visit

Katunayaka - Mr. Tao Ma, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) last night (12), on a State visit to Sri Lanka.

The visit follows an invitation extended by Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO), during the 42nd ICAO Assembly held in Montreal, Canada, and a subsequent meeting at the ICAO Asia-Pacific Regional Office in Bangkok, Thailand, with Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku.

Mr. Tao Ma and his diplomatic delegation were warmly received at the airport by Capt. Daminda Rambukwella and Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Deputy Director General (Air Transport and Security Regulation).

The State visit aims to build on the outcomes of high-level discussions held at the 42nd ICAO Assembly, which involved ICAO Secretary General Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, the ICAO Asia-Pacific Regional Director, the Deputy Minister, and the DGCA & CEO.

Key objectives of the visit include strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing cooperation between the ICAO Asia-Pacific Regional Office and Sri Lanka, and supporting preparations for the upcoming ICAO audit of Sri Lanka.

On February 13, 2026, Mr. Tao Ma is scheduled to attend a meeting at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) auditorium, alongside Mr. Sunil Jayarathna, Chairman of CAASL; Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, DGCA & CEO; senior stakeholders; and CAASL officials.

During his visit, the ICAO Regional Director is also expected to hold bilateral discussions with Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Mr. Anura Karunathilaka; Deputy Minister Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku; and Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation, Mr. W. W. S. Mangala.