- FitsAir’s inaugural direct Ahmedabad-Colombo service opens the gateway to pristine beaches, Buddhist heritage, the sacred Ramayana Trail, luxury resorts and rejuvenating wellness escapes just across the Indian Ocean
- Historic air connectivity and the ‘Chalo Colombo, Haalo Sri Lanka’ campaign promise to redefine tourism, trade, pilgrimages, destination weddings and business exchanges between Gujarat and Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Tourism’s mega Ahmedabad roadshow showcases the island nation’s unmatched blend of spirituality, wildlife, culture, adventure, Ayurveda and hospitality to Gujarat’s booming outbound travel market
- Three weekly direct flights, seamless connectivity, easy visa facilities, shared civilisational roots and centuries-old cultural bonds make Sri Lanka the perfect international getaway for Gujarati families
- From Ashok Vatika to Sigiriya, from whale watching to tea plantations, from sacred temples to luxury beaches—the island nation offers unforgettable experiences for every traveller
- Legendary cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya joins diplomats, tourism leaders and industry captains in inviting Gujaratis to rediscover Sri Lanka as their nearest international paradise
- A Journey That Begins with a Boarding Pass but Ends with a Lifetime of Memories
R MANICKAVASAGAM
AHMEDABAD, JUNE 20
For generations, Gujaratis have conquered global business frontiers, embraced international travel and explored destinations across continents. Now, a spectacular new chapter unfolds much closer to home.
With the launch of FitsAir’s inaugural direct flight between Ahmedabad and Colombo and the simultaneous unveiling of the “Chalo Colombo, Haalo Sri Lanka” campaign, the Emerald Isle has rolled out a red carpet for Gujarat’s travellers seeking spirituality, wellness, adventure, luxury and cultural immersion—all within a short flight.
The historic launch at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport marked far more than a new air route. It symbolised the rekindling of centuries-old civilisational ties connecting Lord Rama’s legendary journey, Buddhist heritage, maritime trade, shared traditions and enduring people-to-people relationships between India and Sri Lanka.
The occasion was graced by legendary Sri Lankan cricket icon Sanath Jayasuriya, Dr. Avtar Singh Shastry, Pavan Sindhi, Rakesh R. Shah, tourism officials and industry stakeholders, who together celebrated a milestone poised to transform tourism, business and cultural exchanges.
Simultaneously, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, organised a high-profile travel trade roadshow in Ahmedabad, bringing together nearly 46 Sri Lankan tourism companies with Gujarat’s leading travel fraternity to unlock enormous opportunities in bilateral tourism.
As one of India’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets, Gujarat is emerging as a key pillar in Sri Lanka’s tourism growth strategy.
With direct connectivity, convenient visa facilities, affordability and a rich bouquet of experiences—from Ayurveda and wellness retreats to beaches, wildlife safaris, tea estates, UNESCO heritage sites and the revered Ramayana Trail—Sri Lanka is positioning itself as the most accessible international destination for Gujarati travellers.
Lanka beckons all
Sanath Jayasuriya — Legendary Sri Lankan Cricketer
“Cricket has always connected India and Sri Lanka emotionally, but tourism can connect our hearts even deeper. With direct flights from Ahmedabad, I warmly invite Gujaratis to experience Sri Lanka’s hospitality, natural beauty, culture and spirituality. Our countries share centuries of friendship and the Ramayana heritage creates a unique emotional bond that travellers should experience firsthand.”
Rakesh R. Shah — Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Gujarat and Chairman & Managing Director, GSEC Limited
“The direct Ahmedabad-Colombo service is much more than an air route—it is a bridge connecting people, businesses, pilgrims and tourists. The three weekly flights will significantly enhance travel convenience and create enormous opportunities for tourism, trade and investments. Sri Lanka’s simplified visa process and warm hospitality make it an ideal destination for Gujaratis seeking international holidays just a short flight away.”
Dr. Avtar Singh Shastry — All India General Secretary, Sikh Sangat
“India and Sri Lanka have shared deep spiritual and cultural linkages for centuries. The Ramayana Trail, Buddhist heritage circuits and historical connections make Sri Lanka a destination that resonates emotionally with Indian travellers. Improved air connectivity will strengthen these timeless bonds and encourage greater cultural exchanges.”
Pavan Sindhi — Vice President, VSHFA
“This new direct connectivity is a major boost for Gujarat’s travel and hospitality ecosystem. It will encourage leisure tourism, destination weddings, MICE travel, family holidays and religious tourism while creating fresh opportunities for travel entrepreneurs across both countries.”
Sri Lanka Tourism Officials
“Gujarat has emerged as one of India’s most promising outbound travel markets, with travellers increasingly looking for short-haul international destinations offering diverse experiences. The Ahmedabad roadshow has strengthened partnerships with the travel trade community, showcased Sri Lanka’s unique offerings and opened new avenues for collaboration and mutual growth.”
“With convenient direct air connectivity, attractive visa facilities, luxury experiences, wellness retreats, adventure tourism, beaches, wildlife and the sacred Ramayana Trail, Sri Lanka offers everything a modern Indian traveller seeks within easy reach.”
FitsAir Representatives
“The launch of the Ahmedabad-Colombo route underlines our commitment to connecting people, cultures and opportunities. We believe this service will deepen tourism, business relations and people-to-people ties between Gujarat and Sri Lanka while making international travel more convenient and accessible.”
A Destination for Every Gujarati Traveller
Whether it is walking through the legendary sites associated with Lord Rama and Sita, meditating at ancient Buddhist shrines, rejuvenating with authentic Ayurveda therapies, enjoying pristine beaches, exploring mist-covered tea plantations, embarking on wildlife safaris or indulging in luxury hospitality, Sri Lanka offers an extraordinary blend of experiences just across the sea.
Backed by three direct weekly flights, seamless travel, convenient visa access, world-class hospitality and deep-rooted cultural affinity with India, the island nation is poised to become the favourite international escape for Gujarat’s globe-trotting families.
