Direct flights to Zurich, Cochin soon

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Sri Lanka hopes to initiate direct flights to Zurich and Cochin before the end of the year in addition to direct flights between Colombo and Moscow which was launched yesterday, Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said.

The number of tourist arrivals has increased by 35.6 percent in August when compared with the corresponding month of last year. This upward trend is due to political stability, peace and attractiveness of the country, the deputy minister added.

He was addressing the launching ceremony of the direct flights between Sri Lanka and Russia held at the Ceylon Continental Hotel, yesterday.

Around 13,278 Russian tourists visited Sri Lanka last year and we hope to increase that number to 20,000.

There were around 8,000 Russian tourist arrivals within past the eight months," the deputy minister said.

According to sources, direct flights between Colombo and Moscow will operate twice a week and eight times a month.

There is a good relationship between Sri Lanka and Russia. Sri Lanka earns $ 243 million as foreign exchange by exporting tea to Russia. Sri Lanka supplies 28.7 percent of Russia's tea.

Russia and the other two destinations will also help boost the tourism industry in Sri Lanka, the minister further added. External Affairs Ministry Director General Wipula Wanigasekara, Board Member of the Economic Development Ministry Bashwara Gunaratne and the first group of tourists who arrived in Sri Lanka by the direct flight between Colombo and Moscow also participated.