Sri Lanka assumes CASP-AP chairmanship for 2026-2027

Colombo, June 23 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka has taken over the chairmanship of the Cooperative Aviation Security Programme – Asia Pacific (CASP-AP) for the 2026–2027 term, further strengthening its role in regional aviation security cooperation.

The handover took place during the inauguration of the 21st CASP-AP Steering Committee Meeting held in Colombo on June 23, organised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL). The event brought together aviation security leaders, policymakers and technical experts from across the Asia-Pacific region.

As part of the official proceedings, the CASP-AP chairmanship was handed over from Singapore to Sri Lanka, with Director General and Chief Executive Officer of Civil Aviation Captain Daminda Rambukwella assuming the role of Chairman for the next two years.

Captain Rambukwella said Sri Lanka remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of aviation security and highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation and knowledge-sharing in addressing evolving security threats. He noted that strong regional partnerships are essential to ensuring the safety, security and resilience of the global aviation system.

The meeting attracted more than 70 delegates from 22 member and participating states, including representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), regional aviation organisations and the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.

ICAO Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Tao Ma commended Sri Lanka's efforts to strengthen aviation security and promote regional cooperation. He emphasised the need for close collaboration among member states to address emerging aviation security challenges and congratulated Sri Lanka on assuming the CASP-AP chairmanship.

The Steering Committee Meeting, regarded as the programme's key decision-making forum, is expected to review the progress of CASP-AP initiatives, discuss strategic priorities, evaluate ongoing projects and identify future programmes aimed at enhancing aviation security across the Asia-Pacific region.

The inaugural session was attended by Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Aruna Karunathilaka, Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku, CAASL Chairman W.W.S. Mangala, senior ICAO officials and representatives from CASP-AP member states, participating states and partner organisations.

Discussions during the meeting will focus on emerging aviation security challenges, capacity-building initiatives, the exchange of best practices and the effective implementation of international aviation security standards.

Sri Lanka, as the host nation and newly appointed chair, reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with ICAO, CASP-AP member states and international partners to promote a safe, secure and sustainable aviation environment throughout the Asia-Pacific region.