RUSSIA EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER DETENTION OF AEROFLOT FLIGHT
The Russian Foreign Ministry has summoned Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Moscow Janitha Abewickrema Liyanage and expressed protest over the detention of an Aeroflot plane in Sri Lanka.
“The head of the diplomatic mission was expressed protest over the groundless decision by Sri Lanka’s judicial authorities to detain a regular Aeroflot flight preparing to depart for Moscow at Bandaranaike International Airport on June 2,”
“We urged the Sri Lankan side to settle this problem as soon as possible to avoid its negative impact on traditionally friendly bilateral relations,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said, according to the Tass Russian News Agency.
Moscow bound Russian state-owned Aeroflot aircraft was not allowed to leave the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake on Thursday due to a court order.
The enjoining order was issued by Colombo Commercial High Court Judge after hearing a complaint filed by Celestial Aviation Trading Limited, an Irish company.
Yesterday, Sri Lankan Government also raised objections against the enjoining order issued by Colombo Commercial High Court with Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardena urging the court to suspend the enjoining order.
Tourism Minister Harin Fernando has also expressed concern over the matter claiming it could affect the tourism industry with Russian tourist arrivals. (NewsWire)