18.10.19

India’s flight to Jaffna

Sri Lanka President M Sirisena inaugurated the Jaffna international airport, which was redeveloped at Rs.1,950 million (Sri Lankan rupee) of which India funded Rs.300 million (Sri Lankan rupee). An Alliance Air flight from Chennai touched down to mark commencing of commercial operations at the airport after 40 years following the LTTE-led civil war in the island nation.

Sri Lanka is looking at further collaboration with India, especially South India, to develop northern province.

At the inauguration Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe said that India-Sri Lanka collaboration has potential for economic development of Jaffna region. “India has shown willingness to develop Jaffna. India has invested Sri Lankan Rs.300 million to develop Jaffna airport. We should settle all issues by internal discussions.”

Northern province governor Suren Raghavan said the development of Jaffna airport was a step to improve the area. Talking about the significance of Alliance Air flight landing, he said, “This is not a mere opening of an airport but to rebuild relations with international destinations.” However, he pointed out the need to hand over land to around 2,000 families staying near Jaffna airport. “They are still like refugees.”

High commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu said bilateral relations have now truly touched the sky!

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