Philippines to support Sri Lanka’s maritime, aviation activities

• Direct flights between Manila-Colombo to resume
• Philippines to establish a training school to train Sri Lankan seafarers

Philippine Ambassador to Sri Lanka Leo Tito L. Ausan has expressed support for Sri Lanka’s future maritime and aviation activities.

The Ambassador made these remarks during a meeting with Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva last week.

During the discussion, the Ambassador noted that a significant number of Filipino tourists are planning to visit Sri Lanka. He also mentioned that steps will be taken to resume direct flights from Manila to Katunayake, which have been suspended for a long time.

The Minister instructed the Civil Aviation Authority Director General 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). He also expressed his gratitude for the support extended by the Philippine 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 Maria Tanya also attended the discussions.