Sri Lanka, Aug. 26 -- Australian airline Jetstar has launched direct flights between Melbourne and Colombo, strengthening air connectivity between Sri Lanka and Australia.

The airline's inaugural flight from Melbourne was ceremonially welcomed at Bandaranaike International Airport, where it received the traditional water salute conducted by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited.

Jetstar is scheduled to operate three direct flights a week between Melbourne and Colombo.

The new service is expected to provide greater opportunities to attract tourists from Australia and New Zealand to Sri Lanka while strengthening ties between the two countries through improved air connectivity.

It will also offer an additional trav...