An agreement to start direct air services between Sri Lanka and Israel has been signed.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation said that the diplomatic agreement was signed by Israel's Minister of Transport and Road Safety Miri Regev, and Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripalada Silva.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation announced that direct flights between the two countries will be started from next March on a fixed schedule.

Minister Miri Regiv emphasized, Since last December, five charter planes of Israel's Arkia Airlines have arrived at Katunayake Airport from Tel Aviv and several other Israeli airlines have expressed interest in starting direct flights between Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka.

Nearly twenty thousand Sri Lankan workers are employed in various jobs in Israel.

Minister Nimal Siripalada Silva pointed out that this direct air service will be convenient when flying between the two countries and it will be possible to purchase air tickets at a lower price than at present