Asked about the airline's Indian operations, he said: 'We maintain 70 to 80 percent of load factor in our services to India.'

Earlier, Sri Lankan Airlines had stopped services to a few Indian cities including Coimbatore.

Sumanapala said the carrier would cautiously go ahead with its international expansion plans. 'We could look at code-sharing arrangements with other foreign carriers for the Middle Eastern and South Asian countries.'

He also announced a special package, including up and down tickets and two days' stay in Sri Lanka, for around Rs.15,000.

'But these are for bulk bookings for at least 10 people, especially for corporates. We will be losing 40 percent on these offer packages. But we are looking at long term interests as we seek to double the tourist flow to 10 million by 2011,' Sumanapala said.