Lanka, Australia direct flights soon

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE

The Civil Aviation Ministry will commence direct flights to Australia soon.

Discussions in this regard was held between External Affairs Deputy Minister Neomal Perera and Australian Immigration and Citizenship Minister Chris Bowen.

The Air Services Agreement in this regard was signed by Minister Bowen and Civil Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne at the External Affairs Ministry yesterday. Deputy Minister Perera said direct flights to Australia had been suspended since the 1950s.

It has been reported that a flight service similar to 'seaplane service' was being operated before 1950s.