Govt to go for open skies policy

Disna Mudalige

The government is working towards implementing the open skies policy in Sri Lanka, Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.

Addressing the Cabinet press briefing at the ministry auditorium yesterday, the minister said the government is conducting fresh discussions with various airlines to adopt the open skies policy.

He said once implemented, the open skies policy would apply to the Bandaranaike International Airport and Mattala International Airport.

The minister said the open skies policy was initially advocated some years ago, and the government is revisiting the matter to see whether it is workable.

He said the government is making assessments how this policy would affect the country, adding that attention would also be paid to safeguard SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lanka's national airline.

Ramukwella said restrictions on airlines are now being renegotiated.