Representatives of the Aircraft Owners And Operators Association (AOAOA) said that Sri Lanka can reap huge economic benefits by timely amending the aviation regulations in a manner that is favorable to the country.
The AOAOA made these observations at a media conference held in Colombo yesterday (21).
Many countries in the world, especially Western countries, generate a large amount of foreign exchange by timely amending their aviation regulations.”
“However, the aviation sector in Sri Lanka has been facing many problems due to the lack of timely amendments to the regulations.
President of the AOAOA Samith Abeygunawardena said the direct involvement of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is needed to rectify these issues. However, owing to the lethargic attitude of the CAA it has become a hindrance to receiving a huge amount of foreign exchange.
“A considerable number of people from countries such as India, Maldives and Indonesia come to Sri Lanka every year to study aviation courses, especially to obtain pilot licences. However, it takes about three months for students who come to the country to obtain pilot licence to obtain the necessary approval to take off for pilot training. But in many other countries, the necessary approvals can be obtained within a few hours.”
“Therefore, at present, we can see students who wish to pursue pilot courses leaving Sri Lanka and going to other countries,” he added.
He pointed out that such problems can be resolved with the direct intervention of the CAA.
Treasurer of the AOAOA Nihara Jayatilleke said that the regularization of domestic aviation services is a great strength for the progress of the tourism sector. The aviation sector can be well utilised for the betterment of the tourism industry as many of the high-end tourists are keen on using inland air service rather than using routes.
“The AOAOA has already prepared an inland aviation sector development action plan with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Tourist Board and submitted to the CAA,” she added.
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