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| Friday, 1 October 2004 |
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Minister Mangala Samaraweera at ICAO Summit in Canada : Air transport severely threatened by suicidal terrorism Despite continuous efforts on the part of world governments and the global aviation industry to address acts of violence directed at civil aviation, it is indeed disturbing to note that international air transportation, renowned as the safest mode of transport, continues to be severely threatened by suicidal terrorism which has assumed unparalleled proportions, Ports and Aviation Minister Mangala Samaraweera told the 35th Session of the Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in Montreal. "The most recent attacks since the 9/11 attack in New York were on two Russian civilian aircraft in August this year, claiming the lives of 89 innocent passengers and crew. Sri Lanka unreservedly condemns these dastardly attacks and shares in the grief and sorrow of the people of the Russian Federation," Samaraweera said. "For us in Sri Lanka, having faced the horrors or organized terror for nearly two decades, our sorrow is indeed genuine and heartfelt. In fact Sri Lanka's only international airport faced a severe terrorist attack in July 2001, two months before 9/11," he said. The Minister's speech: "Although Sri Lanka as a developing country has to face many other serious challenges, the Government has attached primary importance to the enhancement of aviation safety and security. In keeping with our international obligations, Sri Lanka is a State Party to all international Conventions against air piracy and has enacted implementing legislation at the domestic level. Sri Lanka has also subscribed to all the major ICAO Conventions and at the bilateral level we have negotiated several legal instruments to strengthen the safety and security of our Airports and civil aviation facilities. The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, an autonomous body with responsibility to plan and regulate civil aviation matters in the country including safety and security oversight responsibilities, was established two years ago to replace the existing Department of Civil Aviation. The new Authority is now fully functional with the requisite qualified technical staff supported by written procedures and is thus in full compliance with ICAO standards. A new Civil Aviation Act, which is wider both in terms of scope and coverage than the existing legislation, paves the way for increased private sector participation in the development of the civil aviation infrastructure in Sri Lanka whilst providing for an effective regulatory mechanism to maintain the highest standards and quality control systems in respect of safety oversight. Sri Lanka has negotiated approximately 59 bilateral air services Agreements and the Government is pursuing an air transport policy which supports liberalized market access on a reciprocal basis with due regard to the elimination of unfair practices and competition in the supply of air services. Considering the importance of cargo transportation for the enhancement of global economic activity, Sri Lanka has an "open skies" policy on freighter operations. An Aviation Master Plan is accordingly being developed and will be published shortly. The CNS/ATM concept as per the ICAO recommendations would also be taken on board at the same time. Sri Lanka's strategic location in the Indian Ocean also makes it an ideal location as an aviation hub for the region. Recognising this opportunity, the Government of Sri Lanka is currently implementing an USD 100 million infrastructure improvement project aimed at boosting the handling capacity at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo. Upon completion of this project, which is scheduled to be completed by September 2005, the Airport would be capable of handling five million passengers per year in addition to offering better aircraft parking arrangements as well as many other improved passenger facilities and conveniences. "This Airport infrastructure development project is in harmony with the Government's policy of developing the aviation and tourism sectors in tandem, in recognition of the fact that these two crucial sectors of Sri Lanka's economy are inextricably intertwined. As such, due emphasis is also being laid on streamlining the domestic aviation sector, especially through the upgrading of existing aerodromes and the use of inland waterways located in close proximity to popular tourist resorts, for floatplane operations. After more than two decades of terrorist instigated strife, Sri Lanka is enjoying a period of relative calm as the complex and delicate process of establishing a durable and lasting peace slowly but surely gains ground under the leadership of the President Chandrika Kumaratunga. Consequently, we have witnessed an upsurge in the number of foreign visitors, both business and holiday makers, to our resplendent Isle and this in turn has had a beneficial effect on our aviation industry as evidenced by the increase in the number of foreign operators serving Sri Lanka and the substantially extended route network and fleet expansion of our national carrier, SriLankan Airlines celebrates the 25th year of its establishment this year. The Airline's current route network comprises 42 destinations spanning 23 countries in Central Asia, South East Asia, the Middle East, the Far East and Europe, with further expansion to China and Australia envisaged in the coming seasons. Sri Lanka is a nation steeped in history and its rich culture dating back several thousands of years before the birth of Christ. From its crystal lakes and rivers down to its golden beaches, the call of Lanka has beckoned to travellers through the ages from all corners of the globe to savour its charm, its tranquillity and the warm hospitality of its people. May I therefore echo that call and invite all those present here today to visit our emerald Isle in the not too distant future and to experience at first hand the treasures Sri Lanka has to offer. I wish to reaffirm the support of the Government of Sri Lanka for the work of the International Civil Aviation Organization, as well as its commitment towards upholding the principles of the Chicago Convention. We are confident, Mr. President, that under your able guidance our deliberations will culminate in fruitful decisions which would be of mutual benefit in our efforts to enhance the safety and security of international civil aviation without compromising on efficiency, speed and reliability which is sine qua non for the very existence of the global aviation industry. Dilan Perera, Deputy Minister, Ports and Aviation, Ariyaratne Hewage, Secretary, Ministry of Ports and Aviation, H.M.C. Nimalsiri , Director General Civil Aviation and H.H. Ananda Dharmasiri, Executive Director, Airports and Aviation Services accompanied the minister. |
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