Sri Lanka could expand trade with Russia through Vladivostok using existing aviation and maritime routes, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake said.

Speaking to Sputnik India, the minister noted that Sri Lanka’s position along major Indian Ocean shipping lanes and its established air connectivity could support faster trade links with Russia.

“If we think about starting something in immediate terms, within months, the best option is aviation, as we already have well-established connections,” he said, adding that cargo operations could begin through commercial flights.

He also pointed to Sri Lanka’s maritime links with countries such as China, Japan and South Korea, noting that Vladivostok is geographically close to these routes.

The minister highlighted the role of Hambantota Port in facilitating trade, noting its growing capacity as a regional logistics hub.

“There is already significant infrastructure in place. Hambantota has developed into a major automobile export hub in South Asia to Africa,” he said.

He added that these existing systems could be leveraged to develop sea-based trade links under a broader Eurasian transport framework. (Newswire)

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