The 20-year-old air operation communication system used for air operations at the Katunayake,  Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) has been replaced with the latest Digital Voice Communication Switching System (DVCSS). This was installed on Saturday (26) at the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) at the airport.

The Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited took steps to implement this state-of-the art  technologies and equipment required to maintain safe flight operations in Sri Lanka's airspace. 

Expressing views on the official launch, the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva said that the new system would increase the safety of Sri Lankan airspace. "The airspace and airports have been designated as safe zones, and the International Civil Aviation Organisation has extended us a special commendation on this," the Minister said. 

He  also said that the old  radar system at Piduruthalagala being used at present will also be replaced with a new radar system using the latest technology available in the world. "This will take place by next October," he added.

The system, made in Italy according to European standards, has been installed at a cost of Rs. 670 million. The new system with Voice Over IP technology has the potential to instantly connect air traffic controllers at the ATCT with the flight, all due airports, and the radar tower, enabling simultaneous communication, clarity of communication, and credibility at a very high rate. The installation and maintenance of the system are carried out by Sri Lankan engineers at the Electrical, Electronic, and Aviation Engineering Division of the airport. The total installation also includes a VHF air-ground communication system.  

The official launch of this new DVCSS took place in the presence of the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva with the first call through the system from Katunayake to Ratmalana airport. Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (SL) (Pvt.) Ltd., Major General (Rtd.) G. A. Chandrasiri and several officials also participated on the occasion.