SriLankan Aviation College, a unit of state-run SriLankan Airlines, said its franchise schools will be expanded around the country in a franchise deal with Colombo-based Nawaloka Group, with plans to move to Seychelles.

Nawaloka Air Services will open training centres in Galle, Batticaloa, Jaffna and Kandy, the training school said in a statement.

SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Suren Ratwatte said Nawaloka was selected following a call for a franchise partner.

SriLankan Aviation College already has a franchise deal in the Maldives and wants to expand to Seychelles, the statement said.

The schools will offer courses leading up to the National Certificate in Aviation Management, National Diploma in Aviation Management, Aircraft Maintenance Category A 1, Harvard Leadership and Management Diploma and Advanced Certificate in Airline Marketing

An International Air Transport Association (IATA) Foundation Diploma in Travel and Tourism and a Consultancy Diploma in Travel & Tourism will also be offered.

The provincial centre will get accreditation from IATA, which drive global standards and education in the aviation industry, the statement said.