President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof as the President’s Special Envoy for Foreign Investment.

With the aim of promoting the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) among public officials, the Presidential Secretariat, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy, conducted a training program titled “AI for Transforming Public Service” on the 27th at the Northern Provincial Chief Secretary’s Office.

The National Airline of Belarus, Belavia, successfully launched its charter flight operations to Sri Lanka, marking a significant milestone in the growing relations between the two countries.

The inaugural flight, carrying 281 passengers at full capacity, departed from Minsk National Airport on 28th, bound for Mattala.  During the winter season Belavia airlines will operates flights as an emerging source destination for Sri Lanka tourism.

A special ceremony was organized at the Minsk National Airport to mark the occasion, attended by Ambassador Shobini Gunasekera who is concurrently accredited to Belarus from the Russian Federation, and other senior officials from the aviation and tourism sectors.

The launching ceremony was marked by a press conference along with a function to celebrate the occasion at the Belarus Airport.  Addressing the press during the event, Ambassador Gunasekera emphasized the importance of enhanced air connectivity in strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Belarus. She highlighted that direct charter operations would not only boost tourism but also open new avenues for educational exchanges, trade and investment opportunities that would foster economic growth, cultural exchanges and people-to-people links. She also thanked all stakeholders whose dedication and vision made this initiative possible giving tangible meaning to shared aspirations for closer cooperation.

The Directors General of Belavia airlines and the Minsk National Airport, and representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus also spoke at the Press Conference emphasizing the significance of the flight “connecting the heart of Belarus with the exotic shores of Sri Lanka.’’

Belavia’s management expressed enthusiasm about the new route, noting that Sri Lanka’s growing popularity as a tropical destination among Belarusian travelers has driven strong demand. The inaugural flight’s full capacity demonstrates the potential for sustained cooperation in the tourism sector.

The commencement of the charter flights is expected to further strengthen Sri Lanka–Belarus relations, providing a convenient travel option and supporting mutual growth in tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism together with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow and the other stakeholders played a pivotal role in facilitating this venture in line with the GoSL’s plan to welcome 3 million tourists this year and to diversify Sri Lanka’s tourism sourcing destinations. The launch also marks a significant milestone in the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Belarus, symbolizing friendship and collaboration between the two nations.

Looking ahead, both the aviation authorities of the two countries are discussing to converting the charter arrangement into regular flights to Sri Lanka. Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Belarus and Sri Lanka is being discussed at the moment for signature.