India announces direct Varanasi-Colombo flights from August

Colombo: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, said the country's flag carrier Air India will operate direct Varanasi-Colombo-Varanasi flights from August.

PM Modi while speaking at the 14th UN recognised International Vesak Day announced that the nation will operate direct flights from Varanasi to Columbia from August 2017. "I have the great pleasure to announce that from August this year, Air India will operate direct flights between Colombo and Varanasi", said Modi.

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What else PM Modi said?

• My Tamil brothers and sisters will also be able to visit Varanasi, the land of Kashi Vishwanath.
• I believe we are at a moment of great opportunity in our ties with Sri Lanka.
• Our region is blessed to have given to the world the invaluable gift of Lord Buddha and his teachings.
• Buddhism and its various strands are deep seated in our governance, culture and philosophy.
• Sri Lanka takes pride in being among the most important nerve centres of Buddhist teachings and learning

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