According to Minister of Ports, Containers, and Aviation Services Nimal Siripala de Silva, Israel and Sri Lanka inked a direct air service agreement this February 15, 2024.
One of the primary goals of this agreement, the minister added, is to avoid postponing the departure of Sri Lankan workers overseas.
During a press conference conducted at the Presidential Media Center (15.02.2024), Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva stated as much.
The minister also stated that there has been a roughly 32% increase in container transportation.
Additional remarks were provided by Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva here.
15.02.2024 saw the signing of an agreement for direct aviation services between Israel and Sri Lanka. Direct flights between the two nations will start, under an agreement between the Ministries of Ports, Containers and Aviation Services and Israel's Ministry of Transport. Our goal is to make the passengers comfortable.
Preventing delays in Sri Lankan personnel's departure in accordance with the current service agreement between Israel and Sri Lanka is another major goal of this arrangement. We also heard from the Israeli Minister of Transportation that a lot of Israelis are excited to travel to Sri Lanka.
Additionally, talks have begun with Indigo Airlines about launching a second daily flight route via Palali Airport to India. Additionally, alternatives for investments in relation to the Mattala Airport were investigated. The Tender Board has chosen an investor as a result.
We're nearing the end of the negotiations with the aforementioned investor. Next week, a deal might be achieved. In this manner, it will be possible to make the airport profitable as well. The agreement will begin as a private joint venture between Russia and India.
In order to reduce traffic, Katunayake Airport has also looked into investment opportunities for the construction of 31 ticket counters and a new terminal building. It has been allocated 06 billion rupees. It states that the current traffic gridlock may be resolved in nine months and that construction will begin within the next two weeks.
In addition, the President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickramasinghe, and the President of Japan's JICA agreed on 14.02.2024, to contribute the money required for the second terminal building's development. Additionally, until March 15th, investment ideas for Sri Lankan Airlines' restructuring may now be submitted.
Additionally, there has been a 32% increase in container transportation. The Port Authority is investing US$ 580 million in finances to create the East Terminal, which will enable the port to grow to meet the increased capacity. Consequently, more containers can be transshipped through the ECT terminal, increasing our nation's revenue.