Daminda Rambukwella appointed Civil Aviation Authority Chief amid controversy

THE Cabinet of Ministers has approved the appointment of Capt. Daminda Rambukwella as the new Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), a move that has already stirred controversy in political and professional circles.

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Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Deputy Minister Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku officially handed over the letter of appointment to Rambukwella yesterday at the Ministry premises.

Rambukwella is an aviation professional with over 25 years of experience.

However, the decision has sparked debate over the selection process and questions about political influence. Both Rambukwella and another shortlisted candidate, Primal De Silva, are widely seen as loyalists of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, raising concerns over whether merit or political ties guided the final outcome.