The Civil Aviation Training Centre - Sri Lanka was rebranded as the “Sri Lanka Airport & Aviation Academy” at a ceremony held on 03^rd August 2021 at the institution premises at Ratmalana. The chief guest was Hon. State Minister for Aviation and Exports Zones Development Hon. D V Chanaka. The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Themiya Abeywickrama was also present.

The State Minister unveiled the new name plaque displaying the new name of the institution in all three official languages.

Chairman, AASL, Major General (Rtd.) G A Chandrasiri stated that the CATC has existed for 37 years and during this time has made a tremendous saving in human resources development costs for the company by providing specialized training to company personnel who man the airport operations and air navigational services. But it has not fully exploited its potential to become a revenue earner for the company by conducting commercial training. He said that rebranding is the first step of a well-planned strategic marketing campaign to promote the academy both regionally and internationally.

The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Themiya Abeywickrama speaking at the occasion, recalled his pleasant experience as a pilot in the past when he had an excellent standard of services from Sri Lankan Air Traffic Controllers and was pleased to learn that they had been trained by the Civil Aviation Training Centre. He pledged the full support of the Civil Aviation Authority towards the future endeavors of the academy.

Speaking at the occasion, the state minister Hon D V Chanaka said that the Academy should strive to attract revenue in foreign currency for the country by providing training to overseas personnel. Meanwhile, Sri Lankans could be trained for employment in the aviation sector overseas. He called upon the academy to expand its training scope to match the status of an academy.

The state minister and other invitees were given an informative presentation about the capabilities of the academy and were also shown the new 3D ATC tower simulator of the academy. Director AASL Ms. Deirdre De Livera proposed the vote of thanks.