Lanka Talents

Largest development project since 2014The construction of the long overdue Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) phase II development to cater to 15 million passengers will commence on November 18, creating a major landmark in the aviation history of Sri Lanka.

This development project which is funded by Japan is estimated to be completed in three years at a cost of Rs. 107 billion making this the largest development project carried out by the Government. The construction work of the first stage of BIA was completed and opened for the public in 1985 but it could only handle about 6 million passengers. Although three decades have lapsed since the completion of the first terminal of BIA, the second terminal could not be accomplished yet.

“When I was offered an Aviation state ministerial portfolio under the new government, developing BIA to was one of the major purview of my ministry,” said State Minister of Aviation and Exports Zones Development, D.V. Chanaka. “Steps will be taken to enhance the functionality of the key areas such as efficiency of customer service and staff as well as the safety of passengers under this development.” This project is planned to be carried out as an environmental-friendly manner using the latest technological expertise available in the world.

The advanced technology helps save 40% of water and 20% energy which makes this project a green one.

This new multi-level terminal which expands over an area of 180, 000 square meters will consist of more passenger- friendly separate departure and arrival terminals. A five-storied parking area too will be built considering use of the public of the airport.”

A steep rise in the number of passengers using airports for their travel is looked ahead when the lifestyles of people revert to normalcy after the covid-19 pandemic eases and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport too will be developed to handle international passengers while other airports will be developed for domestic aviation requirements.”

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa aspire to make Sri Lanka the most vibrant Aviation Hub of South Asia and our Ministry strives to elevate BIA to international standard.“Our goal is to make BIA one of the main facets of Sri Lanka’s economy as it has the capacity to function as a facilitator to Sri Lanka’s most lucrative economic hubs such as Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port.

“BIA will also function as a gateway that takes the locally manufactured products of small and medium scale entrepreneurs to the international market.”The launch will be held with the participation of Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa.

– Daily News