Direct flights to operate between Manila and Sri Lanka’s Katunayaka
The Morning: Despite the Philippines stands as a top potential market in the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Monthly Tourist Arrivals Report, the Philippines Ambassador to Sri Lanka Leo Tito L. Ausan has made remarks of restarting direct flights from Manila to Katunayake, which have been suspended for a long time, The Daily Morning Business learnt.
Speaking to The Daily Morning Business, SLTDA Chairperson Priantha Fernando stated: “More than 12 years ago, the two countries (Sri Lanka and Philippines) signed an aviation agreement, which had not yet been activated. However, they will investigate how best it may be activated, and the Ambassador is working to make things happen, as well as he will be communicating with the Philippine Government on this matter.
He pointed out that In terms of tourism, Sri Lanka is keen to have more airlines running from various markets and flights flying via Sri Lanka to other destinations so that the tourist traffic will have adequate seat capacity.
According to Ambassador Leo Tito L. Ausan, they are anticipating providing comprehensive support for Sri Lanka’s future naval and aviation activities. Furthermore, a significant number of Filipino tourists are planning to visit Sri Lanka.
Before Covid, the country had received around 12,000 Filipino tourists. Currently, the total tourist arrivals up to May 2024 from the Philippines is 2,070 and last year (2023) the total tourist arrivals up to May was 1,448.
Moreover, Minister of Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva has also instructed the Civil Aviation Authority to take necessary steps to obtain approval for resuming direct flights between the two destinations after the agreements are signed.
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, 20 years ago, direct flights from the Philippines to Sri Lanka were operated and due to some issues in the agreement the operations ceased in around 1998.
Furthermore, the Philippines being a leader in the global maritime sector, has agreed to establish a training school with modern technology to train Sri Lankan seafarers and the DE Silva has suggested that a joint program would be set up in collaboration with the Mahapola Maritime Academy of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).
OSL take:
Sri Lanka is currently in the process of further strengthening the country’s trade and tourism ties with other countries. The country is also on an economic expansion programme with the target of becoming a regional hub. Sri Lanka’s steadily growing tourism industry and trade sector have all resulted in the further growth in the country’s air and sea connectivity. The country’s economic expansion is evident by the increase in the number of flights operated to Sri Lanka by international airlines. All these economic activities are indicative of growing business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. Apart from the growing business/investment opportunities covering all key economic sectors, there’s also a growing need to develop the infrastructure and supplementary infrastructure facilities in the aviation and ports sectors to meet the growing demand. It is evident that Sri Lanka’s economic expansion indicates an overall growth and business potential in the country. Foreign businesses/investors could therefore explore the growing business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, especially in the poets and aviation sectors.