The Minister said so while participating in the third reading stage of debate on budget 2015 under the expenditure heads of the Ministries of Civil Aviation and Highways, Ports and Shipping.

Minister Jayaratne said: “We are hoping to develop domestic airports in the country. SriLankan Airline is moving ahead in accordance with a five-year plan targeting to decrease the losses. We would soon be connecting with several other international airlines. Several rounds of talks had been held in this regard with few countries including Australia. The loss incurring period of the Mihin Lanka airline has come to an end. It is earning profits now. We are planning to purchase new aircrafts to strengthen the fleet of flights. SriLankan Airline has earned accolades in international forums. We are continuing fast till we achieve the target of converting Sri Lanka into the aviation hub of Asia,” the Minister added. (Special Reporter/HC)