BA to resume flights to Lanka

by Uditha KUMARASINGHE

British Airways, which had suspended flight operations to Sri Lanka due to the past situation in the country, has decided to resume flights to the Bandaranaike International Airport from next March, Aviation Minister Piyankara Jayaratne told the Sunday Observer yesterday.

The Minister said following an audit query by the International Civil Aviation Authority, Sri Lanka has secured first place in terms of aviation safety and security in the Indian Ocean region and fourth place in the Asian region.

The high standard of the security and safety maintained in Sri Lankan civil aviation activities has immensely helped British Airways to re-commence flight operations to Sri Lanka.

This would also help further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, he said.Minister Jayaratne said tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka have shown a significant increase due to the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the country.

This has paved the way for several leading international airlines to fly to Sri Lanka.

All Sri Lankans should be proud of this achievement, he said.

The decision taken by British Airways and several leading airlines to fly to Sri Lanka would also provide a good answer to those who attempt to spread various rumours about Sri Lanka, he said.