“Sri Lanka’s national carrier, Sri Lankan Airlines is exploring the possibilities of having at least a bi-weekly flight during the pilgrim season, between Colombo, Bhopal and Lumbini, a Buddhist site in Nepal near the Indian border,’’ reported PTI quoting official sources.

The Sri Lankan Airlines has taken the initiative in this regard following a request made by the Federation of Madhya Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry to Sri Lanka.

“Urban Development Minister, Dinesh Gunawardena, who is also the Sacred Area Development Minister, has given due consideration to our request and they are exploring possibilities to start a direct flight between Colombo and Bhopal to facilitate Buddhist pilgrims to visit Sanchi, a famous Buddhist site about 40 km from here,’’ the Chamber Secretary, Pratap Verma, said.
He said that the Sri Lankan Government should also consider daily air-link between Bhopal, Colombo and Bangkok to attract Buddhist pilgrims from Thailand and Japan to visit Sanchi and other Buddhist places in India.