Ajith Dias, Chairman of SriLankan airlines, said: “This is an important step in our strategy of increasing our focus on Asia, from the Middle East in the west to China and Japan in the east. In addition, as we announced previously, we are taking over operations of Mihin Lanka, in accordance with our government’s policy.

The route will be served by SriLankan’s medium haul fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. SriLankan already has a daily service to Karachi.

Captain Suren Ratwatte, CEO of SriLankan Airlines, added: “We are delighted to begin services to Lahore, which is the second largest metropolitan area in Pakistan. We will be closely evaluating market opportunities in Lahore and other South Asian cities, and adding more destinations and frequencies. This further cements our burgeoning partnership with Pakistan International Airlines with whom we expect further cooperation.”

The service will be twice-weekly for the first month of operation with flights on Tuesday and Thursday and will then be increased to thrice-weekly starting from 30th October with a change to flights on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Flights will depart Colombo at 2010 hours, arrive in Lahore at 2335, depart Lahore at 0035 the next day and arrive in Colombo at 0505.

Lahore is the capital of Punjab Province with a population in excess of 10 million.

With the addition of Lahore, SriLankan will expand its network to 100 destinations in 48 countries. SriLankan is a member of the prestigious oneworld global airline alliance.