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Sri Lankan traditional dancers welcome Russian tourists yesterday on their arrival via Aeroflot at Bandaranaike International Airport
Sri Lanka yesterday marked a significant milestone by welcoming over 100,000 tourist arrivals from the Russian Federation through 314 direct flights to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake and Mattala Rajapaksa Inte-rnational Airport (MRIA).
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, in collaboration with the Airport and Aviation Services, organised a special ceremony at BIA yesterday to celebrate this milestone where a warm welcome for passengers and crew arriving on an Aeroflot flight from Moscow was extended.
Since 10 October 2022, a total of 100,298 Russian tourists have been brought to Sri Lanka through direct flights operated by Russian flag carrier — Aeroflot along with Charter flights Azur Air, and Redwings.
Russia ranks second largest source market for tourism in Sri Lanka with 112,993 tourists, contributing 17% of the total travellers arrived in the country so far highlighting the growing interest in the country among Russian travelers.
The ceremony at the BIA was attended by the Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Levan Dzhagaryan, the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd., Chairman G.A Chandrasiri, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Chairman Thisum Jayasuriya, former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratungaas well as representatives from industry stakeholders involved in direct flight operations.
The event featured a cultural performance by a traditional dance troupe, which was highly enjoyed by Russian tourists.
Speaking at the ceremony Russian Ambassador Dzhagaryan said Russia is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s tourism and economic revival, noting that the strong bond between the two countries set the stage for further growth in tourism cooperation and economic expansion.
From left: Former Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Chairman Maj. Gen. (Rtd) G.A. Chandrasiri, Aeroflot Captain Ermolaev Vladimir Vlaimirovich, and Russian Ambassador Levan S. Dzhagaryan
– Pix by Ruwan Walpola
“This relationship signifies the strong bond between the two countries which is mutually beneficial. I can promise that the people of my country will visit Sri Lanka and bring over 200,000 next year. However, you all must promise a grand welcome like this again for them,” he quipped.
AASL Chairman Chandrasiri expressed his gratitude to all the stakeholders for their dedication to supporting Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and economy.
He thanked all the tourism and aviation officials, as well as industry stakeholders, for their support in bringing in a large number of Russian travellers.
Aeroflot Captain Ermolaev Vladimir Vlaimirovich extended his appreciation for the warm hospitality shown by the Sri Lankan people and praised Sri Lanka as an impressive travel destination.
“I first visited Sri Lanka as a tourist and during my two weeks trip, I visited Nuwara Eliya, Mirissa, Unawatuna and Sigiriya. This country is worth visiting anytime or any season. It is not only because of the nature, culture, but definitely because of the people and their hospitality — that is what makes Sri Lanka so precious,” he elaborated.
SLCB Chief also emphasised the significant change in the daily influx of tourist arrivals that Sri Lanka is now experiencing, whilst noting that there are many opportunities to host MICE activities in the country.
