Sri Lanka, Iran Discuss Prospects for Direct Flights

Prospects for direct flights between Sri Lanka and Iran were discussed during a meeting between Iranian Ambassador Hashem Ashjazadeh and Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva on Friday.

At the meeting, matters pertaining to the airline services and tourism sector of the two countries were discussed at length. The discussions were also focused on initiating direct airline services between Iran’s capital Tehran and Colombo and making the service a fruitful means to encourage more Iranian travellers to Sri Lanka.

The Minister pointed out that encouraging more Iranian travellers to Sri Lanka would obviously help ease the foreign exchange issue faced by the country at present and that the measures would also highlight a boost in bilateral relations between the two friendly nations. The Minister also discussed the matter of obtaining aviation fuel and said that the Ambassador would be acknowledged after discussions with the Minister of Power and Energy.

Appraising high on Ceylon Tea, the Ambassador said that Iran currently purchases a large amount of tea produce from Sri Lanka.

Ports, Shipping and Aviation Ministry Secretary K.D.S. Ruwanchandra and Iranian Embassy Economic Section Counsellor Soheil Kheiri were also present at the discussion.