13 March 2021 03:07 am
The government is preparing to resume direct flights between Jaffna and Chennai, which were suspended due to the COVID pandemic.
Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said resumption of flight services between Palaly and Chennai would be expedited under the same air bubble concept that is expected to be launched between India and Sri Lanka.
The minister emphasised that plans are afoot to launch domestic flights between Ratmalana, Jaffna and Batticaloa soon. The Palaly and Batticaloa airports are also expected to be developed as international airports, he added.
He was speaking at the ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the construction of 144 transit housing units for pilgrims to Madhu Church in Mannar, with the assistance of the Government of India.
High Commissioner of India in Colombo Gopal Baglay along with Ranatunga, in the presence of Most. Rev Dr. Emmanuel Fernando, Bishop of Mannar at the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu, laid the foundation stone at the Madhu Church premises, on March 11.
The project is implemented through a grant of around Rs.300 million by the Government of India, keeping in line with India’s ongoing commitment to carry out people-centric projects.
The Indian High Commissioner said that India has always supported such development projects and the Government of India has always stood by Sri Lanka as a friend.