|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 29 September 2002 |
 |
|
 |
Security |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Peace process inspires air travel to North by RAMANI KANGARAARACHCHI "The peace process has inspired a new hope to our economy and it is our duty to activate it immediately and make the maximum use of it to attract more foreign aid. Foreigners will come over here only if something worthwhile is there and, without such facilities and safety, they will be reluctant to do so. "A large number of people, both local and foreign, are very keen to visit the North and East for which a good transport system is essential. I hope Lion Air can fulfil this in a big way" Mr. Chandran Ratnum, Chairman, Lion Air, told the journalists at the Palali Airport on his return from the maiden journey from Ratmalana on the new British-made aircraft Hawker Siddley 748. The 48-seater aircraft is worth 2 million US dollars. He explained that in the long interest of aeronautical services he secured the jobs of his staff despite facing a major setback in 1998 when one of Lion aircraft was attacked by the LTTE. "Safety of lives is the most important thing and I can assure that it is there with us now," he added. His company had provided domestic air services to eight destinations completing over 17,000 flights since 1994. The latest, Hawker Siddley 746, was the first and only western aircraft presently scheduled to fly to Jaffna and later to Amparai, Trincomalee and Weerawila. There will be thirteen flights a week from Ratmalana to Palali and back and a package will be introduced with free transport from Palali to Jaffna city for the convenience of the passengers, the Chairman said. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
