Sri Lanka and Israel have sealed a direct air service agreement, announced by Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, emphasizing its role in streamlining overseas migration for Sri Lankan workers and enhancing passenger convenience.
Minister de Silva unveiled the agreement during a press briefing themed “Collective Path to a Stable Country” at the President’s Media Centre. The pact, inked between the Israeli Ministry of Transport and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, paves the way for direct flights between the two nations, with a focus on facilitating swift overseas employment for Sri Lankan workers and meeting the travel demand of Israeli tourists.
In addition to the Israel-Sri Lanka air route, negotiations are underway with Indigo Airlines to introduce an additional daily flight service to India via Palali Airport. Plans are also progressing for the development of Mattala Airport through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process, aiming to make it a profitable venture. Furthermore, efforts are directed towards alleviating congestion at Katunayake Airport by introducing 31 ticket windows and a new terminal building, with construction set to commence imminently.
JICA’s commitment to fund the construction of a second terminal building, coupled with the extension of the deadline for expressing interest in restructuring SriLankan Airlines, underscores the government’s efforts to enhance air travel infrastructure and efficiency. Additionally, a significant 32% growth in shipping container volume has spurred investment in the Eastern Terminal, signaling positive prospects for economic development and revenue generation in the country.
