The Airline has said that the suspension of services to Zurich, Milan and Rome is due to the less demand expected during this period and to cut costs amidst the rise in fuel prices and operational costs.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), a decline in travel and tourism of 0.3% is expected across the European Union in 2012, although it will be propped up by the growth in newer emerging economies in the eastern bloc as well as Russia. As austerity measures are introduced in some countries, consumer spending is expected to reduce.

Flights to Zurich will be cancelled from May 01 to June 27 and will operate through June 27 to August 21.

Rome and Milan flights are to be cancelled from May 05 through June 26. They will be resumed from June 27 and continue through September 09.

"SriLankan will continue to review its operations to Switzerland and Italy and directed by forecasts, travel trends and developments in the Eurozone, to identify commercial viability, so that flights can be recommenced in these markets, at an opportune time," SriLankan said in a statement.

Changes are being gradually introduced in view of the commitments already made to passengers during the peak period and to facilitate the airline’s trade partners to adjust to the changes.

The airline continues to serve its traditional gateways of London, Paris and Frankfurt which serve a large clientele that fly direct and beyond to several destinations in Europe and the Americas.