COLOMBO, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva on Thursday announced the signing of a direct air service agreement between Israel and Sri Lanka.
Speaking at a press briefing at the President's Media Center, the minister said the agreement marks the beginning of direct flights between Israel and Sri Lanka, which would enhance passenger convenience.
The minister said this agreement will help Sri Lankan workers going to Israel and will encourage Israelis to visit Sri Lanka.
He said that in response to passenger congestion at the country's main international airport, plans are underway to increase ticket windows to 31 and open a new terminal building.
The construction of the new terminal building is slated to begin within two weeks and the congestion at the airport will be solved in nine months, the minister added.
He also said there has been a 32 percent growth in shipping container volume in the Sri Lankan ports. ■
