News
Turkey seeks to establish direct flights between Istanbul and BIA
Turkish Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Demet Sekercioglu, and Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. yesterday (30) discussed the commencing of direct flights between the two countries later this year.
The Chief of Turkish Airlines’ South Asia Office Fathi Bozkurt joined the discussion held at the Ministry.
A senior Ministry spokesman told The Island that currently Turkish Airlines operated flights via the Maldives. The official quoted the Turkish Ambassador as having told the Minister that travellers would like to reduce their travel time by one and a half hours by flying directly from Istanbul to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
The Chief of Turkish Airlines requested for time and space to be allocated in order to launch direct flights between Istanbul and Katunayake, thus providing convenience for Turkish tourists and travellers who wish to visit Sri Lanka.
The Minister has assured them that their request would be forwarded to the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka and the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited. The Ministry spokesperson said that they were hopeful of establishing direct flights between Istanbul and Katunayake, beginning August of this year.
Turkish Airlines, a renowned carrier with a fleet of over 100 aircraft, offers flights, connecting Europe, Vancouver, New York, and a host of other destinations. The Chief of Turkish Airlines said that the new service would not only benefit European travellers but also encourage many more travellers to visit Sri Lanka.
News
Financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces – PM
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya stated that the necessary financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces. She emphasized that these funds must be utilized effectively for school development and requested that relevant authorities submit proposals to address existing shortcomings in school infrastructure.
The Prime Minister made these remarks during a cordial meeting with Muslim women in the Wellawaya area on 1st of March.
Subsequently, the Prime Minister met with the Chief Sanghanayake of the Uva Wellassa region and the Chief Incumbent of Yudaganawa Rajamaha Viharaya, Venerable Rajakeeya Panditha Most Venerable Galtemwatte Nandarathana Nayaka Thero, and briefed him on the current progress of the new education reforms.
She further stated that, while ensuring due recognition for vocational education, steps are being taken to develop 50 vocational training centers equipped with modern courses, covering all 25 districts of the country. She also noted that new education reforms will be introduced for Grade 6 starting in 2027, and that the printing of new textbooks will be entrusted to the Educational Publications Department of the Ministry of Education.
The occasion was attended by Uva Province Governor Attorney-at-Law Kapila Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security R.M. Jayawardhana, Member of Parliament Ruwan Wijewardene, local government representatives, the Buttala Divisional Secretary and the District Secretary.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Department of Immigration and Emmigration has decided effective from 28th February 2026, to grant a free fourteen (14) day visa extension to all tourists who are unable to leave Sri Lanka due to flight cancellations. 
The Maldives Coast Guard Ship Huravee arrived at the Port of Colombo for replenishment purposes on 02 Mar 26. The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.
The ship is a 48.9m long Offshore Patrol Vessel which is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Nafiu Mohamed.
Meanwhile, the ship’s crew is scheduled to visit several tourist attractions in the city of Colombo, during their stay in the island.
Russia, China raise diplomatic voices against US-Israeli attacks on Iran
Financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces – PM
Free 14 day visa extension for visitors unable to depart Sri Lanka
US embassy in Dubai hit; Israel pounds Tehran, Beirut
Perera, Sugandika, Ranaweera take Sri Lanka to T20I series win over West Indies
Maldives Coast Guard Ship Huravee arrives in Colombo
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Opinion5 days agoJamming and re-setting the world: What is the role of Donald Trump?
-
Features2 days agoBrilliant Navy officer no more
-
Features5 days agoAn innocent bystander or a passive onlooker?
-
Features6 days agoRatmalana Airport: The Truth, The Whole Truth, And Nothing But The Truth
-
Opinion2 days agoSri Lanka – world’s worst facilities for cricket fans
-
Business6 days agoIRCSL transforms Sri Lanka’s insurance industry with first-ever Centralized Insurance Data Repository
-
Business5 days agoAn efficacious strategy to boost exports of Sri Lanka in medium term
-
Features3 days agoOverseas visits to drum up foreign assistance for Sri Lanka