Sri Lanka eyes RCEP alliance; Australia to launch direct flights from August

Colombo, June 03 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka has secured the backing of Australia and New Zealand for its bid to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath announced following his official visit to Australia and New Zealand.

Speaking at the Sri Lankan High Commission in Canberra, Herath said the two countries had pledged their full support for Sri Lanka’s accession to the world’s largest free trade agreement, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to strengthen economic ties across the Asia-Pacific region.

RCEP comprises 15 countries, including the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China and South Korea. The trade bloc is regarded as the largest in the world in terms of population and economic output.

The Minister said discussions held during the visit laid a strong foundation for Sri Lanka’s integration into the regional trade partnership, which is expected to enhance trade and investment opportunities and deepen economic cooperation with key markets.

Meanwhile, Herath also announced a breakthrough in efforts to improve connectivity between Sri Lanka and Australia, revealing that direct flights between the two countries are expected to commence in August.

The new air links are expected to boost tourist arrivals, facilitate travel for the Sri Lankan diaspora in Australia and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.