Despite the Philippines stands as a top potential market in the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Monthly Tourist Arrivals Report, the Philippines Ambassador to Sri Lanka Leo Tito L. Ausan has made remarks of restarting direct flights from Manila to Katunayake, which have been suspended for a long time, the Daily Morning Business learnt.
Speaking to The Daily Morning Business, SLTDA Chairperson Priantha Fernando stated: “More than 12 years ago, the two countries (Sri Lanka and Philippines) signed an aviation agreement, which had not yet been activated. However, they will investigate how best it may be activated, and the Ambassador is working to make things happen, as well as he will be communicating with the Philippine Government on this matter.
He pointed out that In terms of tourism, Sri Lanka is keen to have more airlines running from various markets and flights flying via Sri Lanka to other destinations so that the tourist traffic will have adequate seat capacity.
According to Ambassador Leo Tito L. Ausan, they are anticipating providing comprehensive support for Sri Lanka's future naval and aviation activities. Furthermore, a significant number of Filipino tourists are planning to visit Sri Lanka.
Before Covid, the country had received around 12,000 Filipino tourists. Currently, the total tourist arrivals up to May 2024 from the Philippines is 2,070 and last year (2023) the total tourist arrivals up to May was 1,448.
Moreover, Minister of Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva has also instructed the Civil Aviation Authority to take necessary steps to obtain approval for resuming direct flights between the two destinations after the agreements are signed.
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, 20 years ago, direct flights from the Philippines to Sri Lanka were operated and due to some issues in the agreement the operations ceased in around 1998.
Furthermore, the Philippines being a leader in the global maritime sector, has agreed to establish a training school with modern technology to train Sri Lankan seafarers and the DE Silva has suggested that a joint program would be set up in collaboration with the Mahapola Maritime Academy of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).