The Indian Government is evaluating Sri Lanka’s request for a soft loan facility from India to extend the runway at Palali International Airport, said High Commissioner of India, Gopal Baglay.
“India is actively considering providing assistance for the infrastructure improvement,” he told Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva when they met for a discussion at the Ministry office on Friday.
The aim of the meeting was to discuss the enhancement of maritime and aviation services between India and Sri Lanka. Several measures to elevate bilateral relations between the two countries were also discussed.
The Indian High Commissioner highlighted during the discussions that Alliance Air, an Indian airline, had successfully completed 100 flights between Madras and Palali airports.
The current demand for air travel between these two destinations is significant and recognizing this development, the Minister requested the Indian High Commissioner to enhance the number of flights connecting these destinations and explore the potential to extend flights from Madras to Palali upto to Ratmalana.
The Indian High Commissioner expressed consent for a positive feedback after discussions with relevant authorities.
With reference to the ongoing talks regarding the initiation of a passenger ferry service connecting the two nations, the Indian High Commissioner highlighted the potential for a favorable outcome following thorough deliberations on the relevant matters by the Joint Committee established in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreed upon by both parties in 2011.
Here, the Minister emphasised the need to accelerate the launch of the passenger ferry service between the two countries, recognizing its significance in providing greater convenience for low-income pilgrims from Sri Lanka who wish to visit Bodhgaya and other Buddhist religious sites in India.
He said Sri Lanka’s continuous readiness to welcome passenger vessels adhering to international standards from any Indian port. The Minister emphasised that the merger with Indian Railways, following the commencement of the passenger ferry service, would greatly enhance transportation facilities for pilgrims visiting Bodhgaya and other religious sites.
The First Secretary to the Indian High Commission (Commerce and Culture) Irina Thakur was also present.