Several airlines backing off from coming to SL!
A group of airline representatives have informed the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva that some airlines have further reduced their flights to Sri Lanka due to the weakening of fuel storage, according to sources in the Ports, Shipping and Aviation Ministry.
According to the ministry, as a result of the unavailability of fuel, some airlines are obtaining fuel from neighboring countries including India.
The Minister pointed out that if the number of flights to Sri Lanka decreases further, the tourism industry, exports, foreign investments and those who go to work abroad from Sri Lanka will be severely affected, adding that the existing rules should even be amended in order to overcome this situation.
Meanwhile, as a solution to this problem, the government has already taken a decision to allow the private sector to import aviation fuel.
The Cabinet has also approved this proposal.
According to government sources, the arrival of foreign tourists has also decreased significantly due to the current economic situation and fuel shortage in the country.