| |
News Image 8939 - Sri Lanka and India expand on air services liberalisation
Monday, 16 October 2006 - 4:49 AM SL Time - Some pictures are worth a million words |  | |
Sri Lanka and India moved towards further expansion of their air links under the current liberalised air services regime between the two countries, during bi-lateral negotiations held on October 9 and 10 in Colombo.
The discussions characterised the traditional cordiality and goodwill that exists between the two South Asian neighbours and centered on the liberalisation of air services beyond that which was achieved in late 2003, which has resulted in over a hundred flights per week at present, operated collectively by SriLankan Airlines and Indian air-carriers.
Emphasising the fact that there is ample demand for further enhancement of flights, especially in view of the substantial increase in tourist traffic and economic cooperation between the two countries over the last few years, Sri Lanka proposed the establishment of an `Open Skies` air services regime with India.
Whilst acknowledging that working towards an `Open Skies` regime was a laudable objective, the Indian delegation explained that India is currently in the process of strengthening its aviation sector including ground infrastructure at airports and that `Open Skies` between the two countries could be considered once the ongoing development of the Indian aviation infrastructure is completed.
It was therefore decided that for the present, the two countries should work towards increasing flights and developing new routes. Accordingly, additional flights to Mumbai and Bangalore were negotiated and Coimbatore and Pune were added as destinations in India for designated airlines of Sri Lanka.
Indian air-carriers would also have the right to operate the same number of flights as operated by Sri Lankan air-carriers, from any point in India to Sri Lanka.
Possible Indian investment in aviation related areas and infrastructure was also discussed.
The visiting Indian delegation met Minister of Ports and Aviation Mangala Samaraweera on October 10, 2006.
They exchanged views regarding the ongoing new airport infrastructure development in India and Sri Lanka, public private partnerships in Indian airport management, new aircraft acquisition programmes of Indian carriers and resulting Aviation HR demand trends.
The Sri Lanka delegation was led by Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Aviation Tilak Collure and included Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism Dr. P. Ramanujam, Director General and CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority H. M. C. Nimalsiri and senior officials from the Ministry of Ports and Aviation, the Attorney General`s Department, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Commerce and representatives of SriLankan Airlines.
| | |
sansare
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2013
Member Profile
|
16 Oct 2006 01:55:57 GMT Report for Abuse
|
This is a good news for SL.
Air-service is one of the areas that SL can compete with giant India. 'Good Service' is the key point that 'SriLankan' get the chance. I have never been in Colombo-India service, but I hope its also same as other int. flights of our air line. |
Rapaport
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2176
Member Profile
|
16 Oct 2006 03:35:29 GMT Report for Abuse
|
Sri Lankan Airlines contract with Emirates should be renewed.. If not it will become another loss making state company with strikes! At this moment another 10 years management agreement with Emirates is the best idea to prevent politicians from enjoying the management and corrupting the system and name of the airline. Emirates has planned to purchase 11 airbus A340's for Sri Lankan. We can get a discount through them.
The most smart move will be to privatise all state organisations for a period of 10-15 years and the govt will save money cos at the moment most are on a loss! Eg: Sathosa, CEB.
The successful ones after privatisation are SLT, Sri Lankan, LIOC.
All over the world this is how things work. |
sansare
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2013
Member Profile
|
16 Oct 2006 03:42:41 GMT Report for Abuse
|
Rap,
All over the world this is how things work.
Yes,..in fact, when the country and its people are thinking correctly, the distance between private and government is getting small. Private organizations must understand the responsibility of development of the country.
The other advantage is private creates the brand, easily than the government sector. We can by-pass international tread competition. |
|
Search All News and Discussions 