Monday Jun 15, 2026
Monday Jun 15, 2026
Monday, 15 June 2026 04:56 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath
The official operations of Sri Lanka’s newest cargo airline, ‘ WEAIR’, were officially launched on 6 June 2026 at the Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo, under the patronage of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath.
The inauguration was attended by Government officials, representatives of WEAIR, foreign investors, leading stakeholders in the aviation and logistics sector.
Minister Vijitha Herath said the new venture, which is being launched with the financial and strategic support of Luxembourg-based IOTC Investment Company, is a testament to the growing international confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic potential, strategic location and Sri Lankan entrepreneurship, despite global uncertainties.
Herath also said that the arrival of WEAIR was a very timely and essential investment that will strengthen the country’s air cargo capacity and regional connectivity.
“Although Sri Lanka has long been at the crossroads of international trade , in recent times we have had to rely heavily on other parties for the transportation of our goods,” the Minister emphasised that this situation must now change. He added that in the current era where economic success is determined by speed , reliability and connectivity , this step will directly contribute to strengthening the supply chains of the country’s exports, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals and various industries.
The Minister also pointed out that success in the aviation sector and commerce cannot be achieved through mere statements, but discipline, reliability, punctuality and mutual trust are essential factors for that.
WEAIR Cargo Airline will commence its first operations with a Boeing 737-800 transport aircraft, and plans to further expand its capacity in the future. This will directly connect Colombo with major destinations across South Asia, Southwest Asia, Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region, as well as the Middle East and Africa.
“This is a good support for the Government’s vision to make Colombo a major logistics hub and a reliable gateway in the Indian Ocean region,” Minister Herath emphasised.
This project will create new job opportunities for the youth and professionals of the country , and will also provide an opportunity to develop national capacity through the exchange of knowledge and new technology. The Minister further stated that the Government is constantly committed to creating a safe environment suitable for investment and establishing Sri Lanka as a leading logistics , aviation and trade hub by encouraging such collaborations between private enterprises and Government institutions.
