Prime Minister thanks Seychelles for introducing direct flights

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on Monday thanked Seychelles for introducing Air Seychelles direct flights to Colombo and said that would result in rapid increase of tourist arrivals.

He said this when new Seychelles High Commissioner Lalatiana Accouche paid a courtesy call.

Accouche said she was amazed at the beauty of Sri Lanka during her recent travels to Elle and Kandy after presentation of credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at a colourful ceremony in the hill capital.

She said a substantial number of Sri Lankan professionals such as judges, engineers and teachers work in Seychelles and their work is highly appreciated by her country. The Prime Minister asked the High Commissioner to consider increasing employment opportunities for Sri Lankans in other fields such as nursing and healthcare. ‘Air Seychelles’ flight from Seychelles to Colombo, was welcomed by a celebratory water cannon salute upon arrival at BIA followed by a traditional Kandyan dance performance and an inaugural ceremony to welcome the guests. The visitors were received with a colourful dance performance, which highlighted the unique Sri Lankan hospitality.

The High Commissioner said there will be two flights operating weekly and it would be a boon for tourism and people-to-people connectivity.

She said this initiative is expected to create more awareness about Sri Lanka and its position as a unique travel destination, and generate tourist arrivals from these nations, further developing their respective bilateral and business partnerships.