Mr. Murat Bayder, the General Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives of Turkish Airlines had a courtesy discussion with  Capt. Themiya Abeywickrama the Director General of Civil Aviation at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka. At the meeting Mr. Murat and Capt. Themiya discussed about the Turkish airlines operations and its future operational plans to and from Sri Lanka. Mr. Murat specially mentioned that Turkish airlines has identified Sri Lanka as an important aspect of their operation and wish to increase flights to Colombo from October 2022. As per Mr. Murat, the Turkish airline will explore operating two flights per day between Istanbul and Colombo from the next winter season.

The DGCA emphasized the opportunities of operating to Mattala International Airport since it has more concessions for commercial airlines and the Turkish Airline representatives promised to consider the proposal from next winter positively.

Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, the Act. Deputy Director General (Corporate Management), Mr. Ishara Gunawardana, Manager (Air Services and Traffic Rights) from Civil Aviation Authority were also present for the meeting while Ms. Shermika Kuweju, Regional Sales Manager of Turkish Airlines represented the airline.