Expect to resume Colombo-Moscow flights by mid-October: Bandula

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Minister Bandula Gunawardena in interview with Russia's Ria Novosti says that he expects that flights between Moscow and Colombo will be restored by mid-October in 2022.

A few months ago, Russian flight company Aeroflot announced that it will be suspending commercial flights to Sri Lanka for the time being, due to “unreliability of the situation in terms of ensuring unhindered flights of the airline’s aircraft to Sri Lanka”. 

The airline suspended its flights after eight months, after launching its services in Sri Lanka on 4th November, 2021.

Commenting on the fuel crisis, the Minister said that it is possible to end the fuel crisis within the country, and added that Sri Lanka is now recovering from each of the crises – both economic and currency, and expects support from Russia on the matter. 

Moreover, the Minister said that - negotiations on procuring fuel from Russia are underway.

Pointing out that Sri Lanka needed a loan to buy Russian fuel, the Minister said that the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia, himself and other representatives of the Sri Lankan authorities are discussing this issue with the Russian government. 

"We hope Russia will be able to help us. I think your support will be significant for our country," he said. 

Minister Gunawardena also mentioned that Russia can significantly contribute in the building of roads and railways within the country, and many investment opportunities are available. 

He added that it is 100% safe for Russian tourists to visit Sri Lanka, as the political protests have come to an end.