Authorities in Sri Lanka and India have agreed to establish an air bubble for air connectivity, said the Sri Lankan government Information department. The move would help Sri Lanka to revive its tourism industry which was re-opened recently after months-long closure due to the pandemic. 

A report in Colombopage said the decision was taken after discussions between the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay, and  Sri LankanTourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga. 

“The proposal was brought forth by the Indian High Commissioner to the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, and the above discussion was held to discuss the next steps that should be taken to launch the program,” said the report.

Accordingly, views were exchanged regarding the resumption of air flights between the two countries under this air travel bubble and the opening of the country to tourists in accordance with the health guidelines of the two countries.

Tourism forms a crucial segment for the Sri Lankan economy. After the Easter Bombings in April 2010, the tourism industry was just recovering last year when the pandemic again flattened it.  

Discussions also held on the resumption of the development work at Palaly Airport, which was halted due to the pandemic and the resumption of its operations.

Sri Lankan Tourism Minister Ranatunga extended his gratitude to the Indian High Commissioner for India’s support for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.