* Sri Lanka to commence direct flights to Nepal
Thursday, February 26, 2009, 15:36 GMT, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Feb 26, Colombo: Sri Lanka government has initiated a special air service between Katunayake and Nepali capital Kathmandu, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said.

According to the Minister the main purpose of this air service is to create more traveling facilities for the pilgrims who wish to visit Lumbini, Buddha's birth place.

Government statistics have revealed that nearly 45,000 Sri Lankans are annually visiting Lumbini on pilgrimages.

Foreign Minister said that he has discussed over this service with his visiting Nepalese counter part Upendra Yadew this morning.

The two Foreign ministers have agreed to commence the new service between Katunayake and Kathmandu in very near future.