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NT Bureau
Chennai, Mar 9:

        Sri Lankan Airlines drew praise for its efficient handling of a large number of charter flights during the recent pilgrimage to Colombo of thousands of members of the Bohra religious community.

        The 'Ashara Mubaraka', a religious event for the Bohras held in Colombo in late January, attracted over 15,000 pilgrims, mainly from India and Pakistan. The pilgrimage added a boost to the island-country's tourism sector by filling up hotels and visitors jamming the shopping malls in busy junctions.

        The 10-day pilgrimage was led by Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community, who was honoured as a State guest by the Lankan government. President Mahinda Rajapakse attended a banquet given in his honour.

        'We have received letters of commendation from all three customer airlines whose aircraft had been chartered by the Bohra community. Sri Lankan Airlines set up a special team at Bandaranaike International Airport to take care of the needs of the pilgrims,' said Nigel O'Shea, head, Service Delivery at Sri Lankan Airlines.

        Jet Airways, Air India and Pakistan International Airlines flew 22 charter flights in addition to several flights by Sri Lankan Airlines. Many other pilgrims flew in on regular flights.