A total number of 111 passengers, including 95 Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka, landed at the newly-built Kushi Nagar International Airport, marking the first international flight to land at the airport.
SriLankan Air UL-1147 left for India from Katunayake International Airport to take part in the inauguration of the newly-built Kushi Nagar International Airport this morning at 5.20 am. This event marked the first flight that landed to facilitate Sri Lankan pilgrims who can visit to Dambadiva on pilgrimage.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi represented the Indian government at the opening of the airport. Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Namal Rajapaksa represented Sri Lanka.
State Ministers D. V. Chanaka and Sisira Jayakody and SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ashok Pathirage were also present.
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Gopal Bagle and Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga arrived at the Katunayake Airport to greet the delegation.
