December 18, 2024 | Press Release

SriLankan Airlines has reached a significant milestone, celebrating seven years of its Melbourne-Colombo route—a lifeline launched in 2017 that has since become an integral bridge connecting Australia and South Asia. The airline’s successful operations have facilitated seamless travel for Sri Lankan expatriates, students, and tourists traveling between Melbourne, Sri Lanka, and beyond, including key destinations across India.

A Growing Connection
With steady growth in passenger traffic and an uptick in tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka, the Melbourne-Colombo route has emerged as one of SriLankan Airlines’ top-performing services. Popular among those visiting friends and family or vacationing between Australia and South Asia, the route plays a crucial role in strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two regions. Its direct connectivity and convenient transit options have also made it a favourite for Indian travellers.

Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Worldwide Sales & Distribution for SriLankan Airlines, highlighted the airline’s commitment to growth, stating, “As we celebrate this milestone, SriLankan Airlines will continue exploring potential expansion opportunities across its network to support the envisioned growth of this important route. With a strong foundation built over the past seven years, the airline is well-positioned to enhance connectivity and promote tourism between Sri Lanka and Australia.”

Celebrating Success and Strengthening Ties
V. Ravindran, Regional Manager Asia Pacific, emphasised the team’s dedication to excellence, saying, “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. As we move forward, we look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service and to strengthening our connections between Australia and Sri Lanka. Our commitment to our passengers remains unwavering, and we are eager to explore new opportunities for growth and enhanced travel experiences.”

Operating modern Airbus A330-300 and 200 series aircraft, SriLankan Airlines ensures comfort and award-winning service on the daily UL604 and UL605 flights between Colombo and Melbourne.

Beyond Flights: Community Engagement and Cultural Exchange
SriLankan Airlines has gone beyond the skies, embedding itself into Australia’s cultural fabric. From supporting Sri Lankan expatriate events to sponsoring major sporting occasions like the Melbourne Half Marathon and the Great Ocean Road Running Festival, the airline has become a vibrant participant in the local community. Collaborations with organisations such as ‘Invest Victoria’ further underscore its commitment to fostering tourism, cultural exchange, and mutual growth.

Looking Ahead
The seventh anniversary is not just a marker of operational success but a celebration of deepening ties between two dynamic cultures. As SriLankan Airlines looks to the future, travellers can anticipate even greater connectivity, enhanced travel experiences, and a continued focus on bridging distances and uniting communities.