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Chamara Perera, Group Head of Information Technology at SriLankan Airlines, commented on this latest advancement in customer engagement technology stating, “Yaana features a generative AI virtual assistant powered by GPT-4 technology and is equipped with sophisticated retrieval capabilities to enhance customer interactions and efficiently address inquiries. The system also utilises a conversational AI framework and custom AI algorithms to deliver rapid, accurate, empathetic and contextually relevant responses. By cross-referencing multiple policy documents, real-time data sets, including flight schedules, Yaana ensures that passengers receive reliable, tailored information.”

Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Worldwide Sales and Distribution at SriLankan Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm about Yaana’s potential, stating, “Since going live, Yaana has handled close to 12,000 inquiries with remarkable efficiency, autonomously resolving 88% of them. Furthermore, with its scalability, we anticipate Yaana will manage five times the current volume. By providing 24/7 assistance, including real-time updates during disruptions, streamlined booking guidance and personalised support for complex queries, Yaana will significantly enhance customer service every step of the way.”

The chatbot will prove especially indispensable during unplanned flight disruptions, a common occurrence in the airline industry, by assisting passengers in swiftly finding alternative travel options. Available globally, Yaana also has multilingual capabilities, making it accessible to SriLankan Airlines’ diverse, global customer base.

For SriLankan Airlines, an airline committed to using technological advancements to elevate the travel experience for passengers, Yaana marks a significant milestone in its digital evolution. With this launch, SriLankan Airlines reaffirms its commitment to being one of South Asia’s most innovative and customer-focused airlines. Experience Yaana firsthand by visiting www.srilankan.com.

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With steady growth in traffic, including tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka, the Melbourne-Colombo route has become popular among travellers visiting friends and relatives or vacationing between Australia and South Asia, strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two regions. The route is also one of SriLankan Airlines’ top performers, both as a direct flight and a convenient connection, especially for Indian passengers.

Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Worldwide Sales & Distribution of SriLankan Airlines, stated, “As we celebrate this milestone, SriLankan Airlines will continue exploring potential expansion opportunities across its network to support the envisioned growth of this important route. With a strong foundation built over the past seven years, the airline is well-positioned to enhance connectivity and promote tourism between Sri Lanka and Australia.”

V. Ravindran, Regional Manager Asia Pacific of SriLankan Airlines, added, “We are excited and overwhelmed by the success of our operations. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each member for their contributions. As we move forward, we look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service and to strengthening our connections between Australia and Sri Lanka. Our commitment to our passengers remains unwavering, and we are eager to explore new opportunities for growth and enhanced travel experiences.”

SriLankan Airlines operates Airbus A330-300 and 200 series aircraft on the Melbourne route, ensuring modern in-flight comforts for passengers. Flights UL604 and UL605 currently operate a daily service between Colombo and Melbourne. Passengers can expect the award-winning service for which the airline is renowned for when travelling with SriLankan Airlines.

In addition to the robust flight service, SriLankan Airlines has further solidified its presence in Australia by actively engaging with the local community. This includes regular support for events organized by Sri Lankan expatriate organizations, reaching many thousands with the brand’s message as well as sponsorship of major sporting events in Australia, such as the Melbourne Half Marathon and the Great Ocean Road Running Festival to boost brand visibility. These sponsorships are part of a broader strategy to foster connections within the local community and support events that resonate with both Sri Lankan and Australian cultures. By collaborating with ‘Invest Victoria,’ the airline has also strengthened its ties with the state government, furthering its mission to promote tourism and cultural exchange.

The seventh anniversary of SriLankan Airlines in Melbourne is not just a celebration of successful flights; it symbolizes the deepening bonds between two vibrant cultures and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for travellers from both nations.

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Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Worldwide Sales and Distribution of SriLankan Airlines, stated, “The new FlySmiLes’ website exemplifies our unwavering commitment to delivering a superior customer experience. It marks a significant step forward in how we engage with and reward our loyal customers. With its enhanced, user-friendly features, the website empowers members to access exclusive rewards and personalised offers anytime, anywhere.”

Chamara Perera, Group Head of Information Technology of SriLankan Airlines, added, “Developed entirely in-house, this project reflects the remarkable talent and innovation within our airline. The collective efforts of our teams ensured that every detail and feature of the website met the specific needs of our frequent flyers. By integrating cutting-edge technology, the website strikes the perfect balance between practicality and aesthetics, serving as a comprehensive digital front for FlySmiLes and providing solutions for nearly every member requirement.”

Members can now effortlessly navigate their personalised dashboard, check their FlySmiLes miles balance and track their membership tier progress. What’s more, buying, transferring, and gifting miles has never been simpler. The platform also offers a seamless user experience with social login, enabling members to sign in using their Google or Facebook accounts. For added security, an OTP (One-Time Password) has been enabled for transactions, all integrated smoothly with a range of payment options, including American Express, Visa and MasterCard.

The website makes managing redemption vouchers a breeze, by making it possible to request, redeem, modify or cancel with just a few clicks. It also offers easy access to a variety of other vouchers, such as lounge access vouchers for co-branded cardholders, excess baggage vouchers and vouchers from non-airline partners.

FlySmiLes offers Platinum, Gold, Classic and Blue membership levels, while Silver membership is exclusively available for SriLankan Airlines’ co-branded credit card holders. As a member of the oneworld^® Alliance, FlySmiLes is part of an elite group of the world’s leading airlines working as one to give frequent international travellers a superior travel experience. Members can enjoy

special privileges and rewards, including access to over 600 lounges in over 1,000 destinations worldwide. Members can earn and redeem FlySmiLes miles whenever they travel, whether with SriLankan Airlines, oneworld member airlines, oneworld affiliate airlines or any partner airlines.

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The Tamil Nadu Tourism Awards celebrates airlines that have made a substantial impact on the state’s tourism sector. With nearly 35 weekly flights connecting Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, and Madurai in Tamil Nadu to Colombo, SriLankan Airlines has established itself as one of the leading international airlines serving the state, supporting inbound tourism for shopping, pilgrimage, and medical travel. The airline is operating close to 90 weekly flights pan-India, spanning Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Cochin, and Thiruvananthapuram, in addition to Tamil Nadu.

Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Worldwide Sales and Distribution at SriLankan Airlines commented on the award, stating, “We are deeply honoured to receive the ‘Best Airline Partner’ award at the Tamil Nadu Tourism Awards Night. This recognition underpins our unwavering commitment to excellence in service and connectivity in the region, and we will continue to scale up our footprint in Tamil Nadu, which has immense potential to become one of the most preferred travel destinations in this part of the world.”

Kasun Welaratne, Sales Manager of SriLankan Airlines in Chennai, added, “We are delighted to be recognized as the best among leading airlines operating to Tamil Nadu. This is a testament to the trust our loyal customers have placed in SriLankan Airlines, and their affirmation drives us to keep pushing ourselves to further enhance our services in the region.”

With an emphasis on customer satisfaction and connectivity, the airline aims to further enrich the travel experience for passengers in the region. As SriLankan Airlines continues to be one of the most decorated airlines in South Asia, this latest accolade serves as a reminder of the pivotal role the airline plays in promoting tourism in both its home base and the rest of South Asia.

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The Ramayana Trail takes you to 20 significant locations in Sri Lanka, each deeply woven into the Ramayana story. Visit Seetha Amman Temple, where Sita is said to have prayed during her captivity, and stand in awe at Rumassala Hill, where a piece of the Himalayas is believed to have landed, dropped by Hanuman. Every stop is a connection to your spiritual heritage, bringing the stories of the Ramayana alive.

SriLankan Airlines, Chief Executive Officer, Richard Nuttall said, “We are pleased to make a grand comeback in the India market with this exclusive range of Ramayana Trail excursions which is guaranteed to inspire travellers to explore destination Sri Lanka like never before. India is our single largest market in terms of number of cities connected and flight frequencies. We are certain that this endeavour will further strengthen our future expansion strategies whilst portraying Sri Lanka as a destination that is closely connected to their devotion and culture.

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau, Chairman, Buddhika Hewawasam said, “India has been the prime source market for Sri Lanka’s inbound tourism.  Travellers from India hold a very special place in our hearts, as they have always been the first to arrive in our shores signalling the end of difficult times. This trend has been visible in the context of all unprecedented challenges that we faced recently as a country. We are proud to collaborate with the National Carrier, SriLankan Airlines in its latest strategic marketing drive, ‘Ramayana by SriLankan,’ which will continue to inspire discerning travellers from India to explore the charms of old ages blending seamlessly with modern day travel.”

Experience the power of faith as you walk in the footsteps of Lord Rama and Sita. From the cave where Ravana hid Sita to the lake where Lord Rama defeated Ravana, these ancient sites provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect deeply with your roots. The highlight, of course, is the legendary bridge built by Lord Rama’s Vanara army to reach Lanka, a symbol of resilience and devotion.

At SriLankan Airlines, we ensure that your journey is as comfortable as it is spiritual. With stays at the finest 4- and 5-star hotels, along with the services of expert guides who narrate the rich history and mythology of the Ramayana, you’ll travel in utmost comfort. Our direct flights from major cities in India make this pilgrimage not only spiritually fulfilling but convenient and stress-free.

The Ramayana Trail is more than a tour; it’s an opportunity for self-discovery. As you reflect on the values embodied by Lord Rama—honor, loyalty, and perseverance—you’ll gain new insights into your own life. The connections you forge with your fellow travelers, inspired by shared faith, will create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

No visit to Sri Lanka would be complete without embracing its vibrant culture. From vibrant festivals and colorful temples to mouth-watering local dishes like hoppers and kottu, you’ll experience Sri Lanka’s warm hospitality, echoing the famous Indian “Atithi Devo Bhava” spirit. Sri Lanka’s close-knit relationship with India makes it the ideal destination for this spiritual quest.

With our exclusive packages, competitive pricing, and easy booking options, embarking on the Ramayana Trail has never been simpler. SriLankan Airlines offers convenient flight schedules from cities across India, making it an accessible and hassle-free journey. Whether you’re traveling with family or seeking a solo spiritual retreat, we have a package to suit your needs.

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Maria Sathasivam, Manager Product Development of SriLankan Airlines, commented on the award, stating, “We are delighted that passengers have collectively rated SriLankan Airlines as having the best inflight entertainment in this region. A passenger’s inflight experience is shaped by numerous factors, with entertainment playing a key role in enhancing overall inflight satisfaction and reducing perceived travel time. To that end, our content portfolio has been meticulously curated to reflect current entertainment trends, ensuring that passengers stay entertained throughout their journey.”

SriLankan Airlines’ Inflight Entertainment (IFE) system offers a rich selection of Hollywood blockbusters, the latest releases and an extensive catalogue of regional films from South Asia and beyond, including favourites from Sri Lanka. The collection offers hours of captivating movies and TV shows across a range of languages and genres, including action, comedy, drama, adventure, animation, kids, musical, sci-fi and sports. Passengers can also enjoy a library of over 100 handpicked audio albums, featuring music for every listener, from international hits to local classics.

This prestigious award reflects SriLankan Airlines’ dedication to transforming every journey into an extraordinary experience. It also adds to a growing list of accolades that the airline has secured recently for passenger experience, including the 2022 Passenger Choice Awards for Best Cabin Service and Best Wi-Fi in Central/Southern Asia; the 2023 APEX Passenger Choice Awards for Best Food & Beverage and Best Seat Comfort in Central/Southern Asia; the 2024 IFSA Best Inflight Food or Beverage Innovation Award for the “SriLankan Flavours” menu; and the 2024 APEX Passenger Choice Award for Best Wi-Fi in Central/Southern Asia.

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SriLankan Airlines, like many organizations worldwide, has faced the challenge of ethically disposing of materials retired from its operations. For the airline, this meant dealing with unusable aircraft seat covers, blankets, curtains, uniforms, wooden air cargo pallets and other items. The airline found its solution in Mathaka, aptly named for transforming remnants of yesterday’s onboard product into brand new consumer items. Mathaka allows SriLankan Airlines to take its planet-friendly philosophy to another level by fashioning people’s memories of air travel into tangible products.

The latest range, which includes travel bags, tote bags, peg dolls, table runners and mats, and many more exciting items, also ushers in a new era for Mathaka, with SriLankan Airlines forming collaborations with three Sri Lankan women sustainable entrepreneurs to create Mathaka products. This consists of House of Lonali, founded by Lonali Rodrigo; SO4 by Ruth Weerasinghe; and Pom’s Island by Shamin Abideen. In addition to its sustainable advantages, the Mathaka project also supports the livelihoods of economically disadvantaged women, who are involved in producing certain Mathaka items.

Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive Officer at SriLankan Airlines, stated, “Since our earliest days, SriLankan Airlines has championed environmental causes, backing our commitment with action. We are proud to collaborate with these outstanding individuals, with whom we share a deep commitment to sustainable practices, to create our latest range of Mathaka products. We are also grateful to everyone who explored the Mathaka collection at SLDF; your enthusiasm for sustainability inspires us to keep pushing the green envelope, and we look forward to bringing these items to the marketplace very soon.”

Saminda Perera, Head of Marketing, Environmental Affairs, and Sustainability at SriLankan Airlines, added, “As we continue to evolve in a world that demands more sustainable practices, we are excited to introduce the next phase of Mathaka. This initiative aligns with our sustainability goals and offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact through innovation, women’s empowerment and community-driven enterprise. It’s a reminder that sustainability is a shared responsibility – one that we proudly uphold as a company and as global citizens.”

The new Mathaka collection was unveiled at SriLankan Airlines’ stall at SLDF, which also showcased the airline’s other sustainability efforts. SriLankan also hosted a workshop led by Pom’s Island founder, Shamin Abideen, during SLDF, focusing on upcycling and recycling pallet wood.

Project Mathaka is one of several initiatives undertaken by the airline’s Marketing and Environmental Affairs and Sustainability team to support the environment in measured and impactful ways. SriLankan Airlines was the first airline in Asia to introduce ‘Planet Friendly Flights’ back in 2009 and was named the second lowest carbon-emitting airline in the Asia-Pacific in 2016 by Business Traveller. For more details on SriLankan’s Mathaka range, visit https://www.srilankan.com/en_uk/corporate/mathaka

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Flight UL 1174 will depart from Bangalore to Colombo at 09:40 AM every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, arriving in Colombo at 11:10 AM. The corresponding return flight, UL 1173, will leave Colombo at 07:20 AM and reach Bangalore at 08:40 AM, also every Thursday through Saturday.

The schedule of the new service is designed to offer a more flexible travel experience for Bengalureans jetting out to Sri Lanka, whether for a vacation or a workation. It provides more daytime hours on the island while being conveniently scheduled closer to the weekend. This allows travellers to pack more into their itinerary, make the most of their visit, and return home in time for the start of a new week, making it the most convenient flight option for weekend travel to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s popularity as a holiday and MICE destination in the Indian outbound travel market continues to rise, thanks in part to the geographic and cultural proximity of the two countries. Most Indians are likely to find the comforting familiarity of home in Sri Lanka that is not found in other parts of the world. Additionally, the island’s compactness, coupled with the new flight schedule, enables Indians to enjoy a range of diverse experiences in just a few days, from the stunning southern shores and the historical kovils of the north to the cool climes of the central province, topped off with some shopping and rejuvenating wellness treatments in Colombo.

The seamless schedule is not the only reason that makes SriLankan Airlines a great choice for Indians. Travellers who are members of the airline’s frequent flyer program, FlySmiLes, can earn 1,174 miles and 1,173 miles when they travel on UL 1174 and UL 1173, respectively. Customers can also savour mouthwatering Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine while enjoying the warmth and friendliness that embody the essence of Sri Lanka when traveling aboard SriLankan Airlines.

Aside from the new additions, SriLankan Airlines will continue to operate its existing daily service between Bangalore and Colombo. India is the only country to have nine of its cities featured in SriLankan Airlines’ network, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Trivandrum, Chennai, Trichy and Madurai, in addition to Bangalore. Altogether, SriLankan operates close to 90 flights every week between India and Sri Lanka. For more information and bookings visit www.srilankan.com

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SATA, an annual event, celebrates the best of South Asia’s hospitality and travel industries and is widely regarded as one of the region’s most eminent travel awards, endorsed by over 18 regional tourism organisations. Winners are determined based on votes from both industry professionals and passengers, making the award a reflection of industry excellence and customer satisfaction.

Commenting on the award, Fawzan Fareid, Regional Manager India, Bangladesh & Nepal at SriLankan Airlines, said, “We are honoured to be recognized as a leader in the region by our valued customers. South Asia is integral to our network, and SriLankan Airlines spares no effort in providing seamless connections between the region and the world, while delivering our renowned Sri Lankan hospitality onboard, along with meals and entertainment thoughtfully tailored to suit localised preferences. I would like to dedicate this award to all the teams overseeing South Asia for their unwavering commitment to serve our customers.”

SriLankan Airlines’ vision is to provide passengers with an authentically Sri Lankan experience, characterized by the warmth and hospitality that is so distinct to the country. This vision is reflected in every award the airline has scored for service, including the continuous Four-Star Rating in the Major Airline category at the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) awards, which is based on certified passenger feedback. In addition to its service excellence, SriLankan Airlines is celebrated for its extensive schedule, offering convenient connections worldwide. In South Asia alone, the airline operates nearly 130 flights each week between Colombo and key cities across India, Pakistan, the Maldives, Nepal and Bangladesh.

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