SLTDA warns of US $ 90mn tourism loss as Sri Lanka delays approval for Russian charter flights

By Nishel Fernando
Sri Lanka stands to lose an estimated US $ 90 million in potential tourism earnings, due to the government’s reluctance to permit Russian charter flights to the island nation, cautioned the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).
Amid the issues pertaining to dual registration, SLTDA Chairperson Priantha Fernando recently shared that the Civil Aviation Authority is yet to clear at least one Russian charter flight seeking to operate, starting from this December, which could result in a potential US $ 90 million loss to the economy.

“This is an Irish aircraft, which has been leased by the Russian government. So, our government has not yet cleared them to operate in Sri Lanka,” he said.
As a result of the sanctions imposed on Russia, the Western companies are taking steps to repossess the aircraft leased to Russian carriers.
Fernando acknowledged that there have been numerous instances where the authorities are making decisions in isolation, without considering the impact on the 
overall economy.
“There are many bottlenecks such as this. They work in compartments and do not understand the other points of view and so on. 

We have to look at the overall picture as to what the economy requires,” he noted.
Speaking further, he highlighted that it took nearly four months to operationalize Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport with an incentive package, despite the obvious benefits to the economy at large.