JICA and Sri Lanka plan to resume work on halted BIA terminal before November

During the meeting held between a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Power Anura Karunathilaka, both parties have agreed to commence construction work on the second passenger terminal at the Bandaranaike International Airport before November this year.

The meeting was attended by a principal delegation including JICA Senior Vice President Hara Shohei and JICA Chief Representative Honzu Shigeo. Ministry Secretary K. D. S. Ruwanchandra was also present.

The Japanese government agreed to restart this project, which had been halted, following discussions with the President.

In addition, a series of discussions were held between the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, JICA officials, and the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation.

Works to facilitate the additional funding needed for the project are currently in the final stages, officials said.

Discussions with the selected construction company is to be scheduled during the final planning stages.

Establishing a vessel traffic management system to manage increasing vessel traffic at Colombo Port has been proposed during the discussion. The proposal is to be submitted through the Department of External Resources.

During the discussion, Minister Karunathilaka has pointed out that the government focuses on creating a favourable environment to welcome more tourists and investors to Sri Lanka in upgrading the facilities at BIA.