Colombo: Sri Lankan Airlines has been fabric of commercial aviation in Sri Lanka since dawn of airline 43 years ago. Launched on September 1, 1979, SriLankan Airlines' 43rd Anniversary is perhaps an opportune moment therefore to reflect on Airline's greatest accomplishments, which are often intertwined with Sri Lanka's milestones in aviation and tourism.

Sri Lankans' contribution to economy of Sri Lanka as country's flag carrier cannot be understated.  Reflecting on significance of Airline to country Ashok Pathirage Chairman of SriLankan Airlines said that with current all-Airbus a fleet of 24 aircraft, SriLankan has been connecting Sri Lankans to 119 cities in 60 countries across continents through direct and codeshare operations.

Moreover, SriLankan Airlines is only airline to operate direct flights between Colombo and several global power cities including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Melbourne, Sydney and Tokyo, enabling socio-economic ties with these markets.  Sri Lanka as one of most desired holiday destinations and link millions of passengers to Colombo, Southern India and Maldives with expedient connections. Over 95 percent of passengers transiting via Bandaranaike International Airport are carried by Sri Lankan Airlines and Sri Lankan remains most frequently booked airline to travel to Sri Lanka.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 08 2022

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