Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Mr. Ranjith de Silva and Ambassador/ Head of Delegation of the European Union in Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mr. Bernard Savage initialed the Agreement between European Union and the Government of Sri Lanka on certain aspects of Air Services, which is commonly known as the ‘Horizontal’ Air Services Agreement, on 27^th October 2011 at the Ministry of External Affairs.  

The EU has concluded similar Agreements with other countries in the region including India.

The Horizontal Agreement will bring certain provisions of Bilateral Air Services Agreements signed between Sri Lanka and EU Member States in line with the prevailing EU law.  While the Agreement will open a new chapter in the history of aviation relations between Sri Lanka and the EU, it will also enhance overall cooperation between Sri Lanka and the European Union.

This Agreement will also strengthen the bilateral platform of existing air services agreements between Sri Lanka and EU Member States and will facilitate future discussions on air services with EU States, with which Sri Lanka does not have an aviation relationship.  This will enable the National Carrier of Sri Lanka to expand its services to destinations worldwide, including to EU countries.

Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs, Mr Karunatilaka Amunugama presided the signing ceremony joined by the Legal advisor to the Ministry, Mr Thusantha Wijemanna while Ambassador Savage was accompanied by some Ambassadors of the EU member countries based in Colombo. 

Ministry of External Affairs

Colombo 

28^th October 2011