SriLankan Airlines touched down for the first time in Guangzhou (Canton) at 5.25 pm, Friday the 28th of January, launching their operations to the Chinese city- the airlines’ fourth destination to China. On arrival, the airlines’ delegation on board the inaugural flight were received by the Ambassador to China from Sri Lanka, His Excellency Karunathilleke Amunugama and Chinese Aviation officials.

Guangzhou becomes the 50th destination in the national carriers’ worldwide network, which covers 31 countries. Besides Guangzhou, the airline flies to three other cities in China – Beijing, Shanghai and HongKong.

The delegation from SriLankan Airlines that participated in the inaugural ceremonies attended a press conference held at the China Hotel Marriot on January 30th to officially announce the launch of flights to this city.

SriLankans’ management at the press conference, pointed out that Sri- Lanka’s ties with China dated way back in history to the time when the sea-farer Fa Hien visited our country. Today, China has been taking the lead in some of the largest infrastructure projects in our country, including the Hambantota Port and Katunayake Expressway.

SriLankan Airlines announced that operations to more cities in China with good frequencies will assist in promoting business between the two countries and also promote trade and leisure traffic from China to Sri Lanka.

The press conference was well attended by a cross section of Guangzhou media including their leading print media and TV channels. This was followed by a formal reception and cultural evening organised for Canton travel agents and other dignitaries including the media.

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