SL to enter into a bilateral aviation pact with Netherlands to start direct flights

27 October 2022 12:30 am - 6 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

In a potential boost to tourism, trade and investments, the Cabinet green light has been granted to enter into a bilateral aviation pact with the Netherlands, potentially leading to initiating direct flights between the two countries.

Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva this week furnished a resolution to the Cabinet of Ministers to sign a bilateral aviation agreement with the government of the Netherlands.

“This agreement will facilitate Sri Lanka and the Netherlands to commence direct flights. It would be a boost for tourism, trade as well as investments between the two nations,” Cabinet Spokesperson and Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Bandula Gunawardana told reporters in Colombo, yesterday.

Although the diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of Netherlands were inaugurated back in 1951, no direct flights operate between the two nations.

The Netherlands remains as one of the key source markets for Sri Lanka tourism as well as for Sri Lankan exports in the European Union (EU).

In the first nine months of the year, the Netherlands remained as the 14th largest source market for Sri Lanka tourism. In terms of exports, the Netherlands is among the top five markets for Sri Lankan exports in the EU.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 6

D P P Prasad Thursday, 27 October 2022 09:54 AM

One of the best dutch creation which is available in Srilanka is historical Galle rampart. Thus this is widely accepted as an attractive tourist destination. The direct flight operation between Netherland and Srilanka might be a good advantage to boost Srilankan tourism industry

Gert Jan, the Netherlands Thursday, 27 October 2022 10:44 AM

Surely Dutch tourists are interested in your culture, temples, nature, wildlife, beaches. Everything we don't have in Holland. They normally want to mix with the locals. They are certainly not interested in casino's, shopping, luxureous hotels, bungyjumping etc.

Summa Thursday, 27 October 2022 10:52 AM

KLM used to operate AMS-CMB via AUH about 20 years ago. Means, we had direct flights before. Will this be non-stop ?

CitizenP Thursday, 27 October 2022 11:23 AM

There were direct flights to Holland by KLM in 70s..

Luckysubramaniam Thursday, 27 October 2022 11:35 AM

Sorry, but there were direct flights on KLM and Sri Lankan Airlines some years ago which stopped due to the war. Then a charter operation/commercial operation started with Martinair flying to Colombo twice or trice a week.

Gert Jan, the Netherlands Thursday, 27 October 2022 12:55 PM

The information about the situation in Sri Lanka is very scarce. Dutch tourists are wondering if they can travel around, if there are essentials available. And they do not want to go on holidays and enjoy themselves in a country where people are suffering.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

SL to enter into a bilateral aviation pact with Netherlands to start direct flights

Comments - 6

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Sri Lanka face unusual dilemma

Foreigner injured after falling from Lotus tower

Diana under immigration radar for overstaying visa since 2014

Tharshan Selvarajah makes history as first Sri Lankan to carry Olympic torch

On-arrival visa fiasco drains VFS Global’s confidence in Sri Lanka

VFS Global is here to stay for at least 12 years, says Tiran

MIRROR CRICKET

Athapaththu climbs T20I rankings after stellar performance

Shanto to lead Bangladesh’s squad for T20 World Cup

Wanuja helps Sri Lanka ‘A’ to come out on top

Big names miss out as Netherlands announce squad for T20 World Cup

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Philanthropist Nahil Wijesuriya donates Rs. 270Mn for construction of Bishop’s College New A-Level and O-Level building

Temperatures to drop as monsoon arrives: Met. Dept

Facebook party raided inside Knuckles Reserve, over 20 arrested

I hear that MPs’ vehicle permits have been approved: Chandima

Athapaththu climbs T20I rankings after stellar performance

Shanto to lead Bangladesh’s squad for T20 World Cup

Wellalage inclusion hints Three-Spin Attack in World Cup

Wanuja helps Sri Lanka ‘A’ to come out on top