Mihin Lanka dynamic force for promotion of bilateral ties - Foreign Minister

Mihin Lanka has carried approximately 95,000 passengers since its inception. The carrier has the distinction of commencing operations during the first year of office of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, said Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama.

The Minister was speaking at the inauguration of the New Delhi office of Mihin Lanka on Sunday. He said, the creation of Mihin Lanka has given a new dimension to Sri Lanka's civil aviation industry, while contributing to further strengthening the connectivity with the other SAARC countries.

Within the relatively brief course of less than one year, Mihin Lanka already operates to two members of SAARC, India and the Maldives. The Minister said it is envisaged that Mihin Lanka would operate to the remaining five SAARC nations in due course.

Minister Bogollagama identified Mihin Lanka as being not only an aviation related enterprise, but also as a dynamic force for the promotion and facilitation of bilateral ties through people to people connectivity. Being a budget airline, it has accommodated and will continue to provide its customers with convenient and less costly connectivity.

Its operations would lead to greater opportunities and will open new vistas for those engaged in pilgrimage and tourism to visit the sacred locations and sites within SAARC region that is so highly endowed by history, he said.

The group accompanying the Minister on his visit to the office included President's Secretary Lalith Weeratunga and Sri Lanka High Commissioner C. R. Jayasinghe. Mihin Lanka Office, New Delhi Country Manager Roshan Wijesekera and his staff welcomed the Minister and the delegation.