Sri Lanka and India are focusing on expanding the maritime and air services between the two countries.
A special discussion was held between Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Bagle and Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva at the Minister’s Office regarding the expansion of maritime and air services between the two countries. Attention was drawn to this discussion to measures to be taken to build bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Indian High Commissioner pointed out that 100 flights between Madras and Palaly Airports have been completed by the Indian government airline Alliance Air Company and as there is a huge demand from tourists for the travel between these two airports, plans are afoot to increase the number of flight operations from Madras to Palaly.
The Minister also asked the Indian High Commissioner to look into the possibility of extending the flights to Ratmalana Airport too. The High Commissioner promised to give a prompt response in consultation with the relevant authorities. He further pointed out that the request made by the Government of Sri Lanka that Indian Government provide a concessional loan for the extension of the runway at Palaly Airport is already being considered. The High Commissioner pointed out that a joint committee appointed by both parties should discuss the issues and take a decision as per the Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries in 2011.
Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva emphasized that Sri Lanka is ready to accept international standard passenger ships arriving from any port in India and that the process should be expedited as the low-income people of Sri Lanka who go on pilgrimage to India will also be benefitted by it. The Minister pointed out that after the commencement of the passenger ferry service, by merging it with the Indian Railways, Sri Lankan pilgrims can facilitate their journey to visit Buddha Gaya and other shrines easily.
First Secretary (Trade and Culture) of the Indian High Commission Irina Thakur also participated.
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