India, Sri Lanka consider open sky policy

New Delhi: In a bid to enhance connectivity, India and Sri Lanka are considering an open sky policy within the framework of the air traffic agreement of the SAARC nations.
"We had a fruitful discussion regarding increasing the number of services between the two countries and also the possibility of an open sky policy," Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ports and Aviation Mangala Samaraweera told reporters after meeting Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel.
The talks between the two Ministers centered on enhancing connectivity, exploring possibility of more cooperation, opening up of new points for the designated Sri Lankan carriers and increasing cargo flights to India.
India has a liberal air services agreement with all SAARC countries but Sri Lanka has utilised it to the maximum. Praful Patel said Sri Lanka has sought more connectivity between the two countries.
The two ministers agreed that the detailed negotiations between India and Sri Lanka regarding enhancement of the Air Services Agreement would take place tentatively in June 2006.
As of now the designated airlines for India to Sri Lanka are Air India, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Air Sahara. For Sri Lanka it is the Sri Lankan Airlines.
09/05/06 ANI/CNN-IBN

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