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

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.