Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Friday, 31 October 2025 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Amira Cader
Belarusian Airlines (Belavia), the national carrier of the Republic of Belarus, inaugurated its direct flight service between Minsk and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) on 28 October, marking a new milestone in bilateral relations and tourism connectivity between Belarus and Sri Lanka.
The inaugural flight arrived at 1:50 p.m., carrying 277 international tourists and was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (AASL), accompanied by Kandyan dance performances and showcasing the warmth and hospitality of Sri Lanka.
A special ceremony was held at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo to celebrate the historic inaugural flight of Belarusian Airlines.
The event brought together representatives from both nations, including senior Government officials, diplomats, aviation authorities, tourism leaders and private sector partners, highlighting the growing partnership between Belarus and Sri Lanka in aviation, trade, tourism and higher education.
The celebration symbolised a shared commitment to connectivity, collaboration, and mutual growth.
Ambassador of Belarus to India and Sri Lanka Mihail Kasko said: “This flight is not just about air connectivity — it symbolises the growing friendship and cooperation between Belarus and Sri Lanka. We are excited to see more Belarusian travellers experience the beauty and warmth of this island.”
He also noted educational opportunities between Belarus and Sri Lanka. Education is a major attraction for this flight, as every fifth student in Belarus is Sri Lankan, with the Belarusian Government offering affordable education packages to Sri Lankan students. This flight will further strengthen these valuable ties
Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka Chairman Sunil Jayaratne stated, “The success of this route underscores Sri Lanka’s strategic role as a regional aviation hub. We are committed to supporting airlines like Belavia in building long-term connectivity with emerging markets.”
Sri Lanka’s aviation strategy aims to position the island as a major regional hub for tourism, trade and transit travel across more regions. With MRIA now attracting long-haul carriers, the Government is decentralising air connectivity beyond Colombo, transforming the Southern region into a gateway for both tourism and commerce.
The Russian and Eastern European markets play a vital role in this growth strategy. Russia, Belarus, and neighbouring countries have consistently ranked among the top 10 source markets for Sri Lanka tourism, particularly during the winter season. The Belavia direct service from Minsk to Mattala is expected to strengthen this trend, offering travellers a convenient route to experience Sri Lanka’s warm climate, cultural heritage and wellness destinations.
Member of Parliament Dr. Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam lauded the launch as a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
“This development marks an important milestone in the growing partnership between Sri Lanka and Belarus. It opens new doors for tourism, trade and education, while reflecting the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing a resilient and expanding national economy.” Dr. Sathiyalingam said.
Belavia Marketing and International Affairs Deputy Director General Uladzimir Barkun noted with the launch of this direct Minsk-Mattala route, we anticipate a strong increase in passenger traffic and collaboration, we expect to see significant growth in tourism and business exchanges between Belarus and Sri Lanka, opening new opportunities for both nations.”
This launch followed after a familiarisation visit to MRIA on 4 August 2025, led by Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation Shobini Gunasekera with coordination from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism and Ports, Shipping and Aviation.
Operational arrangements were supported by AASL, CAASL and Far East Air Services Ltd., Belavia’s local General Sales Agent.
Initially, flights will operate once a week through 8 March, 2026, during the winter season, with expansion plans based on passenger demand.
The weekly service will operate every Tuesday using an Airbus A330-200 with 281 seats:
MRIA has shown consistent growth, handling 132,852 passengers in 2024 and 97,206 passengers from January to September 2025, reaffirming its potential as a key gateway to Sri Lanka’s Southern and Eastern regions.
As both nations look to expand opportunities in tourism, trade and education, this route serves as a tangible bridge connecting cultures, fostering economic growth, and welcoming travellers to explore the warmth, heritage and beauty of Sri Lanka’s southern region. With MRIA poised as a growing gateway for international travel, the skies between Minsk and Mattala are set to become a corridor of collaboration and shared prosperity.
Pix by Upul Abayasekera
