India-SL discuss designated commercial flights

By Kelum Bandara 

Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardane, in his telephone conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar yesterday has discussed among other matters, the launching of designated commercial flight operations between the two countries to facilitate business travel.  

He told Daily Mirror that he received a call from his Indian counterpart at 11.00 am and discussed a host of matters relevant to bilateral economic cooperation, the COVID-19 situation and follow-up action on matters agreed upon during earlier meetings between the leaders of the two countries were discussed.   

“There will be two flights on a regular basis. One will start from Colombo to a destination in India, and another from there to Sri Lanka.That is basically to facilitate travel for businessman and professionals. This is the beginning for resuming normal commercial flight operations,” he said.   

Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay met with Minister Gunawardane on Monday after he assumed duties in the ministerial post and congratulated him.   
Already, the envoys of the United States, China and Russia have called on the Minister.