en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has issued a license to the country's first water aerodrome, integrating seaplane operations into the mainstream aviation regulatory framework. The license covers the Castlereigh Reservoir Water Aerodrome, located in the tea-growing region of the island's central highlands.

This is the first aerodrome approved under the Water Aerodrome Regulations introduced in 2022, which established a formal regulatory framework for seaplane operations. Previously, seaplane flights in the country lacked a dedicated aerodrome licensing system. The reservoir itself provides a water runway approximately 2,680 meters long, at an elevation of about 3,600 feet (AMSL), offering ample space for operations. The site is owned by the Ceylon Electricity Board, and the actual operator is local carrier Saffron Aviation (better known by its brand name Cinnamon Air).

Cinnamon Air has been Sri Lanka's sole seaplane operator for over a decade, using amphibious Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft to connect Colombo with inland and coastal destinations. The new license is expected to streamline the regulation of these operations and may pave the way for future expansion. Prior to approval, the CAASL conducted a comprehensive audit covering aerodrome operations, safety management, security, emergency plans, and operational procedures. The authority stated that this move will contribute to the "safe, secure, and sustainable" development of the industry while promoting domestic tourism and connectivity. For general aviation, this signifies that seaplane aviation, often overlooked outside Canada and the Maldives, is gaining recognition as a practical transportation option for island nations and remote areas.

For a country rich in lakes, reservoirs, and coastlines, this could be the first of many water aerodromes.