The first group of tourists from Germany and Switzerland left to Sri Lanka yesterday from Frankfurt, Germany on board Sri Lankan Airlines’ direct flight to Colombo, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Germany said today. The Embassy has facilitated the travel of the tourists in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism and Sri Lankan Airlines, supporting the endeavors of the Government to revive the hospitality sector, affected by the pandemic. Ambassador Manori Unambuwe, Counsellor of the Embassy Mr. Ahamed Razee, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Frankfurt Ms. Madurika Joseph Weninger and the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Rhineland Pfalz, Saarland and Hessen Nihal Samarasinha, met the tourists in person at the Frankfurt Airport prior to their departure. The tourists have thanked the Sri Lankan authorities and the Embassy for making their long awaited travel to Sri Lanka a reality, and for the measures set in place to make the island safe and secure for the incoming visitors. The Ambassador, while appreciating the trust and confidence placed in Sri Lanka at a time the world is striving to overcome the challenges of the pandemic, wished them a safe and a pleasant stay in Sri Lanka. With the second highest tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka from Europe being from Germany, it was significant that Sri Lankan Airlines resumed direct flights on 21st January from Frankfurt after a lapse of more than four years, the Embassy said.