The Sri Lankan cabinet, on Wednesday, granted approval to set up an independent institution in the island nation which would investigate aircraft accidents.

Media Minister Gayantha Karunathilleke told reporters that the objective of the bureau would be to improve the security of aviation services, prevent possible accidents in the future, and make recommendations for the improvement of aviation services by identifying factors for such incidents.

"According to the Civil Aviation Act No. 14 of 2010 the power to investigate on aircraft accidents occurred within the Sri Lankan territory is vested with the Civil Aviation Authority," Karunathilleke said.

Accordingly, on a proposal made by Nimal Siripala de Silva, minister of transport and civil aviation, to draft legislations to establish the Independent Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau to act in this regard, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, Karunathilleke added.

(Xinhua)