Accord expected today

Kathmandu, August 24 :

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Sri Lankan delegation began their talks on renewal of the Air Service Agreement (ASA) between the two countries. They are expected to reach an agreement tomorrow.

“We discussed various issues concerning the renewal of ASA today and we hope to reach an agreement tomorrow and renew the ASA the same day,” said Yagya Prasad Gautam, joint-secretary at the Tourism Ministry. The Tourism Ministry had agreed to renew the ASA after the Sri Lankan authorities expressed interest in operating on Colombo-Delhi-Kathmandu Sector.

It will be positive for the country’s tourism sector if Sri Lanka begins its air operation to Nepal, said Gautam. “Although it may be against the interest of some airlines operating on Kathmandu-Delhi sectors, it will help increase tourist arrivals in Nepal,” he said.

The ASA between Nepal and Sri Lanka was first signed in 1977 while it was renewed in 2004.

As per the existing ASA between Nepal and Sri Lanka, both the countries can operate seven flights per week.