SL invited to send first flight to upgraded Kushinagar Airport: Indian HC

Conveying a message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay has informed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa that India would like Sri Lanka to send the first international flight to the newly upgraded Kushinagar Airport, the Prime Minister’s Media Division said yesterday.  

The High Commissioner has made the invitation when he called on Prime Minister Rajapaksa last afternoon at Temple Trees to convey his best wishes following the victory at the recently-concluded Parliamentary Election.   

In June this year, the Indian Government took the decision to declare the Kushinagar Airport in Uttar Pradesh an International Airport. This is particularly significant to Sri Lanka’s Buddhist pilgrims since the airport is located near a number of sites sacred to Buddhists, the Prime Minister’s Media Division said in a statement.   

High Commissioner Baglay said that Prime Minister Modi is keen on promoting Buddhism, and has placed a “specific focus” on initiating related projects, not only in the area of tourism but also other sectors such as archaeology.   Prime Minister Rajapaksa expressed condolences to all those impacted by the Air India crash that has so far killed 18 people.   

He also said he was happy to receive Prime Minister Modi’s call yesterday, even before the final results were declared.    Commenting on the election results, the High Commissioner has said, “It was clear as the sunrise. With your blessings, we look forward to moving forward.”     

• In June this year, the Indian Government took the decision to declare the Kushinagar Airport in Uttar Pradesh an international airport