Sri Lankan Airlines starts direct flights to Melbourne.

State-run Sri Lankan Airlines said it had started daily direct flights to Melbourne from October 29, where a many immigrants and students from Sri Lanka live.

“We have been extending our route network in a systemic manner throughout Asia – from the Middle East to the Far East – and can now provide Australian travellers excellent options in connectivity, with one-stop journeys to the most popular destinations via Colombo,” Chief Executive Suren Ratwatte said in a statement.

Chairman Ajith Dias said the flights would be convenient to Sri Lankans domiciled in Australia and other Australians travellers.

Sri Lankan flights UL604 will depart Colombo at 23.50 daily and arrive in Melbourne at 15.25. From Melbourne UL605 will depart at 16.55 and arrive in Colombo at 22.15.