• Global industry expansion expected to drive worker shortage over next decade
• Rs 600 m allocated for regional aviation training centre
• Govt seeks ICAO accreditation to meet global standards 

Sri Lanka is preparing to tap into growing global demand for skilled aviation personnel, as the international aviation industry is expected to expand significantly over the next decade, creating a shortage of skilled workers worldwide, Deputy Civil Aviation Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku said.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (17), Kodithuwakku said countries around the world were preparing to meet the expected demand for skilled personnel as the aviation industry enters a period of significant expansion.

“This is an international industry. It has been forecast that there will be a shortage of workers around the world with the boom expected in the aviation sector over the next 10 years,” he said.

He said Sri Lanka was also taking steps to ensure that it would be ready to benefit from the anticipated growth in the industry.

“There is international interest in preparing programmes to face this situation. We are also working on several measures, including expanding educational opportunities, introducing training programmes and encouraging interest in aviation-related careers,” Kodithuwakku said.

As part of these efforts, the Government has been pursuing the establishment of a regional aviation education and training centre in Sri Lanka with the support of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Kodithuwakku had earlier said that discussions with the ICAO had progressed positively, with the organisation expressing willingness to support the establishment of the centre.

The Government has secured approval for the proposed project through the National Planning Department and allocated Rs 600 million for it in the 2026 Budget.

It is also working to obtain the international accreditation required to operate the centre in line with global aviation training standards.

The proposed centre and the Government's wider efforts to expand aviation-related education and training are aimed at preparing Sri Lanka for the growing demand for skilled personnel expected as the global aviation industry expands over the next decade.