Sri Lanka is planning a new domestic air connectivity scheme inspired by India’s UDAN programme and is actively seeking investment from international airlines, including Indian carriers. The move aims to strengthen intra-country air links and support the nation’s growing tourism sector.
Speaking in Mumbai, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe said the proposed scheme is designed to improve access to regional destinations and unlock tourism potential beyond major gateways. Indian airlines and investors are seen as key partners due to their experience in operating regional routes efficiently.
Currently, Sri Lanka’s domestic aviation sector remains underdeveloped. While SriLankan Airlines focuses largely on international operations, domestic connectivity is limited, with only four commercial aircraft serving routes within the island nation.
The proposed UDAN-like model is expected to encourage private participation, lower operational barriers, and make regional air travel more viable. Improved domestic connectivity would allow tourists to travel faster between cities, beaches, cultural sites, and emerging destinations.
For India, the opportunity aligns well with growing outbound travel to Sri Lanka and strong bilateral ties in aviation and tourism. Indian carriers could leverage their regional expertise while expanding their footprint in South Asia.
If implemented successfully, the scheme could play a critical role in boosting tourism, regional development, and economic recovery in Sri Lanka, positioning domestic aviation as a catalyst for long-term, sustainable growth.