Sri Lanka helps develop aviation professionals across South Asia
With the global aviation industry moving forward in terms of technology to make air travel the safest and the most convenient mode of transportation, it becomes a daunting task for the Sri Lankan Aviation College to deliver aviation professionals who can adapt to the industry’s needs, said the Deputy Minister of Civil Aviation Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena.
He was speaking at the Sri Lankan Aviation College Graduation Award Ceremony 2013/2014 held at the BMICH last week.
The minister said by opening the doors to students from South Asian countries, the Sri Lankan Aviation College, part of the SriLankan Airlines group, will be able to boost foreign exchange earnings.
“I value highly the national carrier’s move to inspire the youth in the country to take their first step towards aviation in a unique learning environment with a wide selection of courses by providing them with an equal opportunity to follow their dream. It was a long felt need that was unfulfilled up to now and the government under President Maithripala Sirisena has fulfilled the need by providing youths this opportunity,” he added.
He further said that when Sri Lanka looks for a steady expansion of connectivity that is essential for the growth of tourism, it was crucial to provide a constant supply of skilled professionals to man the high standard and quality service.
Sri Lankan Airlines Director/Chief Executive Officer Rakitha Jayawardena said following the establishment of the Sri Lanka Aviation College the knowledge and the expertise have been shared with the youth of the country for them to venture into the fascinating world of aviation. “We all know that the aviation industry is a highly volatile and a highly competitive industry in which only the brave can survive.”
He said the college as an institution that caters to the training needs of the national carrier having achieved IATA regional partner status and EASA approval and provides high quality courses it offers. “We have qualified professional lecturers and trainers. There is a demand for qualified aviation professionals with the expansion of trade in the South Asian region particularly in China and India. We are in the forefront of developing an aviation hub in Sri Lanka to cater to the needs of the industry,” he said.