The construction of the second Passenger Terminal at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) which had been temporarily halted due to the recent economic downturn in the country, resumed on June 20. The decision to temporarily halt construction was made
following the suspension of Japan’s JICA loan facility, which occurred shortly after the country was declared financially bankrupt.
Currently, the Government is engaged in discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding necessary restructuring.
To avoid further delays, the construction of the second Passenger Terminal at the BIA resumed on June 20, utilizing funds from Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka Ltd (AASL).
The construction is being carried out by Sri Lanka’s ACESS Engineering Company, under the supervision of Japan Airport Consultants, Inc. (JAC). The event was attended by Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, Secretary to the Ministry K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, AASL Chairman Major General (Rtd.) G. A. Chandrasiri and officials from the consultancy and construction institutions. A sum of Rs. 500 million has been utilized as expenditure by AASL for this construction.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said: “Due to the recent economic downturn in the country, international donor agencies had halted loans to Sri Lanka. However, I am pleased to announce that the Government has made significant progress in engaging with the IMF. As a result of these fruitful discussions, Japan and JICA have decided to release loan facilities to support the country’s development process.”
The Minister stated that the construction of the BIA’s second Passenger Terminal has been given top priority with the aid of these facilities. Additionally, he mentioned that as a result, AASL has allocated Rs. 500 million for this crucial construction.
“Special Cabinet approval has also been obtained for this,” the Minister said.