Sri Lanka and the Netherlands are to sign a bilateral aviation agreement aiming to launch direct passenger and cargo flights between the two countries
The main aim is to boost tourism and investment as there was no aviation bilateral agreement between the two countries although both countries started diplomatic relations in 1951,
The proposed agreement is also expected to promote, education, trade, investment, agriculture and cultural sectors in the country, foreign ministry sources said.
“With this agreement, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands will be able to start direct flights, and a smoother exchange of travelers and cargo can be expected,” a top official of the Aviation Ministry said.
Due to the severe forex shortage in the country, the government is exploring possible ways of bringing in more forex and the authorities expect to generate around US$800 million through tourism in 2022.
Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando said his ministry has already begun promotions in the Asian region and said the country can expect a boost in tourist arrivals in the last quarter of December.
This will further enhance, agriculture, and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands and it was aimed at economic development.
The Chicago Convention, signed in 1944, mandates that airlines enter into agreements to operate international commercial flights between two or more states
There are currently 193 countries registered with the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva pointed out that by entering into agreements with those countries, it will be possible to engage in aviation activities when required
Diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands date back to 1951. During the preliminary discussions, it was decided to operate 14 flights a week between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands.
SriLankan Airlines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in the Netherlands are also planned to be used for this purpose, he noted.
