The Philippine Ambassador to Sri Lanka Leo Tito L. Ausan has assured comprehensive support for Sri Lanka’s future naval and aviation activities.The ambassador gave this assurance during a meeting with Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation – Nimal Siripala de Silva, yesterday (20) at the latter’s office. During the discussion, the ambassador said that a significant number of Filipino tourists would be visiting Sri Lanka this year. He also mentioned that steps would be taken to resume direct flights from Manila to Katunayake, which have been suspended for a long time.
The minister instructed the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority Sagara Kotakadeniya, to take necessary steps to obtain approval for resuming direct flights between the two destinations after the agreements are signed.
The ambassador also stated that the Philippines, a leader in the global maritime sector, has agreed to establish a training school with modern technology to train Sri Lankan seafarers. Minister de Silva in reply said that a joint program would be set up in collaboration with the Mahapola Maritime Academy of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). The minister also expressed his gratitude for the support extended by the Philippines government to Sri Lanka on various occasions in the past.The Sri Lankan Consul General in the Philippines – Hugh Sriyal Dissanayake, and the Philippine Deputy Consul General – Ms. Maria Tanya also attended the discussions.
The Island
