Consul General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai, Pamoda Gooneratne met with Executive Vice President for Overseas Flight Routes and Marketing of China Eastern Airlines, Wan Qingchao to discuss matters pertaining to connectivity and further strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit.

Being the only air connectivity between Colombo and East China, China Eastern Airlines made history as the first Chinese airline to commence flights to Sri Lanka in 2010. Currently operating daily flights with high reservation numbers on this route, the airline has increased its market share among Chinese outbound travellers.

The Consul General welcomed the continuous support extended by the airline, from routine operational protocols to its valued contribution towards increasing Chinese tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka.

Executive Vice President for Overseas Flight Routes and Marketing Wan Qingchao highlighted the airline’s plans to further promote tourism by sponsoring an online social media influencer to produce footage showcasing Sri Lanka’s tourism potential in the Chinese market. The airline also expressed its willingness to support Consulate-initiated FAM tours for Chinese media and tour operators.

Given that the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and China is scheduled to be celebrated in 2027, Executive Vice President , Wan Qingchao assured further collaboration with Sri Lanka and invited Sri Lanka to make use of available commercial opportunities. These include possible partnerships within the Shanghai-centered international transport hub, where the airline’s air-ground (rail) intermodal transport system is being developed under China’s regional integration strategy for the Yangtze River Delta. China Eastern Airlines also invited Sri Lanka to utilize its existing logistics network and welcomed inputs to further upgrade its onboard services.

Consul General Pamoda Gooneratne requested China Eastern Airlines to promote market-oriented and competitive tour packages for Chinese travellers, particularly during the Kandy Esala Perahera and upcoming economic fora, including the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2026 and Sri Lanka Expo 2027. The Consul General assured the airline of fullest assistance and cooperation in further strengthening the close ties between Sri Lanka and China Eastern Airlines for mutually beneficial cooperation.

The discussion was also attended by Deputy Managing Director, Yang Chunfei and Deputy Head of Market Development, Tao Xiaopeng, representing the Marketing and Sales Department.

Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai

18 August 2026