SriLankan flies to Moscow

Establishing a landmark in Sri Lanka's aviation history, SriLankan Airlines will make its maiden flight to Moscow today, commencing a twice-weekly scheduled service between Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and Moscow's Domodedovo Airport. Religious observances by dignitaries of the four religions in Sri Lanka,

will invoke blessings on the new service, before UL 531 departs the BIA at 0720hrs. SriLankan's VIP delegation includes the Ambassador for Russia in Sri Lanka Vladimir P Mikhaylov and his wife, SriLankan Airlines' Head of Commercial Operations, Mohamad Fazeel, and Regional Manager for Russia/ Middle East and Africa, Lal Perera, including other representatives of SriLankan Airlines.

The flight is scheduled to operate via Dubai and arrive in Moscow at 1640hrs the same day. Ambassador Mikhaylov said, "the new air services connecting Colombo and Moscow is a link that will not only facilitate travel but will be the impetus for building closer bilateral business connections as well as in social, cultural, sports and other spheres, better understanding of the historic heritage of the peoples of Sri Lanka and Russia". Upon arrival in Moscow, the SriLankan delegation will be welcomed by Moscow's Airport Authority Officials and the Sri Lankan community members in Moscow, who has waited eagerly for the commencement of this service.