Direct flights between Seoul, Colombo soon

SEOUL: South Korea has agreed to start direct air flights between Seoul and Colombo soon. This follows talks Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake had with Korean authorities in Seoul during his visit to Korea to attend the 14th South Asian Regional Sessions of the ILO, the Prime Minister's office said in a communique.

During his visit, Prime Minister Wickramanayake called on South Korean President Ro Mu Hiyung, Prime Minister Hun Yung Suk and also met the South Korean Foreign Minister and Chiefs of the Korean Airlines.

Speaking from Seoul, Prime Minister Wickramanayake said the decision to operate direct air flights between Seoul and Colombo was agreed upon following a proposal made by him during his talks with the South Korean Foreign Minister and Airline officials.

Prime Minister Wickramanayake said during his talks, he pointed out the importance of opening direct air links to develop the tourism industry as Korean tourists have a penchant to visit Sri Lanka to savour its hospitality and scenic beauty.

He said he also canvassed more jobs for Sri Lankan workers in Korea during these talks.